NMCC Receives Statewide Award
Northern Maine Community College has received the 2016 RICHES award presented during the Catholic Charities Maine (CCM) 50th anniversary dinner. The event honored six outstanding organizations and individuals across the state who have shown exemplary leadership, support and/or participation and collaboration in working with CCM to build a better community.
The RICHES Awards, which took place at the DoubleTree Hotel in South Portland, was established to recognize those who embody the Catholic Charities core values of Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Hospitality, Excellence and Stewardship. Northern Maine Community College was presented with the Nonprofit Partner Award for the College’s support over the past 20 years transporting lumber, wafer board and pallets of clothing for Catholic Charities’ Threads of Hope Thrift Stores at no charge while allowing NM’s Commercial Driving Academy students to practice driving goods around The County. NMCC students have helped glean broccoli fields to give to those less fortunate; weeded and harvested the CCM farm in Caribou, and provided accommodations for AmeriCorps volunteers who came to The County to work for Catholic Charities for a month.
NMCC President Tim Crowley accepted the award on behalf of the College.
NMCC President Tim Crowley accepts the Catholic Charities Maine RICHES award from CEO Steve Letourneau during the agency’s 50th anniversary event in South Portland.
“Our College is proud to partner with Catholic Charities. We believe in its mission
which mirrors our own teaching of the importance of volunteerism and connecting
with the community to make a positive difference.”
Others honored during the event were Nancy Pierce who won the Inspiration Award for her work with the Good As New Thrift Shop in Houlton; St. Michael’s Parish in Augusta won the Faith-based Partner Award; HealthinfoNet won the Healthcare Partner Award; the Volunteer Partner was awarded to Larry Lachance of Auburn; and the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to founding CEO Neil Michaud in recognition of his dedication in creating Catholic Charities Maine fifty years ago.
The agency’s CEO, Stephen Letourneau emceed the occasion.
“While we are proud to be celebrating 50 years of service in Maine, we feel honored
to be able to share this occasion with community partners who share our passion for
empowering and strengthening individuals and families of all faiths here in Maine.”