FARMINGTON, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined Western Maine Community Action (WMCA) to celebrate the social service agency’s 50^th anniversary. Senator King delivered a keynote address, and in his remarks, thanked the staff, both past and current, for their half century of unwavering commitment to supporting the health and happiness of communities in western Maine. Senator King also recognized WMCA Director Fen Fowler, who is retiring after 40 years at the organization – 24 of them spent as Director.

“For 50 years, Western Maine Community Action has done a remarkable job working to make Maine a better place to live,” said Senator King. “The strong support and overwhelming appreciation on display here today is a true testament to the formative role that this group has had in positively shaping our communities. From helping young families access healthy food, to providing critical care for Maine’s seniors, and now guiding people through the process of finding health insurance, WMCA has never wavered in its mission to help some of our state’s more vulnerable citizens. I join in thanking Fen Fowler and the entire staff for their tireless advocacy and effort. Fen has certainly earned his retirement, and though it’s tough to imagine WMCA without him, I have no doubt that this dedicated group will continue on the same meaningful path that it started out on all those years ago.” 

Approximately 150 people are expected to attend today’s day-long event, which includes several symposiums on various issues ranging from aging, housing and energy, and nutrition, to early education and revolutions in health care. Kevin Concannon, the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services at the United States Department of Agriculture, will also provide remarks later today during the dinner portion of the event. Under Secretary Concannon served as the Commissioner of Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services in then-Governor King’s administration.

WMCA was established in 1965 and is dedicated to the belief that people can help themselves when they have access to the appropriate resources, education, and support. The group’s mission is to advocate for, strengthen, and coordinate resources – private, local, state and federal – that will help people live independent and self-sufficient lives. WMCA fulfills that mission in two ways: through services to help people out of economic uncertainty and through advocacy aimed at changing the circumstances causing that uncertainty. Along with providing services relating to nutrition, energy and utilities, house and home, financial assistance, employment and training support, and senior care, WMCA also helps people find affordable health plans and navigate the insurance marketplace.

Earlier in the day, King spoke at the York County Community College’s Eggs and Issues forum in Wells. Later this afternoon, he will deliver remarks to the Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Ladies Auxiliary VFW in Lewiston.

###