Statement from The Root Cellar Regarding Lewiston–Auburn Broad Recovery Funding
Funds are now available to support victims and survivors of the Lewiston shooting at VictimsFirst.org.
Why The Root Cellar is redirecting $65,521.79 to support Lewiston victims and survivors.
We want to provide clarity and transparency regarding grant funding The Root Cellar received through the Maine Community Foundation’s Lewiston–Auburn Broad Recovery effort. We also want to share how the funds were used, what we have learned since receiving them, and the actions we are taking now to distribute funding for ongoing support of the families of those killed, and those who survived the mass shooting on October 25th, 2023.
Following the tragic mass shooting in Lewiston, many individuals and organizations sought ways to support the families of the deceased, victims and survivors. Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF) established two distinct funds: one designated specifically for families of the deceased, those injured and those present, and a separate fund titled the Lewiston–Auburn Broad Recovery Fund. The Broad Recovery Fund was intended to support nonprofit organizations based in the Lewiston–Auburn region that were providing trauma response or community support related to the impact of the shootings.
I was contacted by a representative of the MCF Broad Recovery Fund and informed that The Root Cellar was eligible to apply. During that conversation, I was transparent about the fact that The Root Cellar did not provide direct services to victims or their families. I also expressed concern that funds intended specifically for victims and survivors should remain available to them. We were assured that the Broad Recovery Fund was fully separate from victim-specific funds and that organizations serving the broader Lewiston–Auburn community through trauma-informed work were specifically eligible.
We also understood that the funding would be distributed evenly among qualifying organizations, though the exact amount was not communicated in advance, and that there was no required timeline for use of the funds. Ultimately, 29 nonprofit organizations received equal awards from the Broad Recovery Fund, each totaling $65,521.79.
How the Funds Were Used
The Root Cellar used these funds in accordance with our approved proposal and the guidelines provided. The funding supported trauma healing groups for neighbors in our community, helping strengthen trauma-informed resources. We trained eight facilitators and now offer weekly trauma healing groups for participants in our programs, coordinated by two staff members.
Although we used the funds as directed and in good faith, we have since learned more about the broader details of how support was distributed, including the disparity between the amounts received by non-profits versus the amount given to many injured victims and survivors (nonprofits reportedly received more than double the amount of at-least some victims).
There are continuing medical needs for those who were injured, creating lifelong challenges. Those living with grief after a loved one taken by such violence and those who survived that night still need—and will continue to need—meaningful support.
Reflection and Next Steps
Over the past year, these details have prompted deep reflection, conversation, and prayer. What has become clear is that, at the time we applied for the funding, we did not fully understand how the broader process would ultimately impact our neighbors—the victims and survivors in Lewiston. Knowing what we know now, we believe that inaction would contribute to ongoing harm by leaving meaningful resources out of reach for those most directly affected. While the original funds were used in accordance with the grant’s guidelines, our understanding of the broader need has changed.
During this same period, The Root Cellar experienced an outpouring of generosity, leaving our organization with available funds nearly equal to the amount of the original MaineCF grant—almost two full fiscal years later.
The Board of Trustees and I felt strongly that God was calling us to use these funds to respond directly to the ongoing needs of victims and survivors—not as an act of charity, but as an act of obedience.
It was clear that these funds should be directed where they are needed most: to those who were harmed and continue to carry the weight of that tragic and violent night.
With full support of The Root Cellar’s Board of Trustees, $65,521.79 has been distributed to VictimsFirst, a network of surviving victims of mass casualty crime that “work pro bono” and specialize in direct support for victims of mass violence and operates with a “100% in, 100% out” model, with no administrative fees. These funds will be kept in a separate bank account to insure that all interest accrued is also distributed.
Financial Assistance for Victims and Survivors
Today, direct family members of the deceased, those physically injured and those who were present and survived the shootings at the Just-in-Time Recreation bowling alley and at Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant may apply for financial assistance through VictimsFirst.org. Any victim/survivor can reach their team directly at contact@victimsfirst.org.
It is our sincere hope that other nonprofit organizations and individuals may choose to join us in this effort, in whole or in part, so that—together—we can help alleviate as much of the ongoing need as possible.
While this amount cannot begin to address the full scope of need, it's our hope that it provides tangible support and encouragement to those most directly affected.
We continue to pray for each family, victim and survivor.
Sincerely,
Joel Furrow
Executive Director
