The “Path Forward” for General Assistance in Lewiston
Path Forward participants serve up barista style coffee drinks and breakfast sandwiches at our Common Grounds Cafe each Wednesday and Friday morning.
One of the things I enjoy about my job is being able to watch God’s creativity at work among our staff for the good of our neighbors. In the fall of last year, something new, innovative and beautiful started to take shape in Lewiston among some of our most vulnerable neighbors.
In the state of Maine, those who do not have enough income to meet basic needs - such as housing and food - may be eligible for General Assistance vouchers.
The “General Assistance” program is Maine has become a politically divisive topic for many in our state. These are important conversations — about state/local budgets and policy. The Root Cellar does not receive any state or municipal funding, so for our team, this isn’t an “issue” to talk about - rather it represents real people facing incredible challenges. People that God knows and loves.
In order to maintain this assistance, GA recipients must volunteer a certain number of hours at an approved worksite. For years, The Root Cellar has been one of those locations. As the numbers have grew significantly in the last several years, we felt like there had to be a better way than “mopping floors” in order to come along side theses individuals. We needed a “path forward.”
Led by Program Manager Alyssa McKay, our team started to put their heads together to consider how we could structure a program to empower them with the skills and supportive community to join the workforce.
The Path Forward (TPF) engages recent immigrants and other neighbors at risk of homelessness in a welcoming community through English language learning and job readiness programming.
Participants are referred to The Path Forward by Lewiston City General Assistance Office and FedCap in order to fulfill GA Workfare required hours. This requirement is essential to maintain housing and food vouchers, keeping the family housed.
Since starting in September of 2024, 103 individuals - representing 100 families and 262 family members- have met program requirements. Over 90% of participants are recent asylum seekers or refugees, representing more than a dozen languages and nations.
The Root Cellar partnered with SIM/Wycliff to initiate Trauma Healing Groups using a biblically based curriculum designed to invite the healing power of God into the trauma that is carried by many immigrants. The Path Forward participants have an opportunity to opt-in to this unique and powerful program.
This program - and many others - is possible thanks to the generosity of individuals just like you. To learn more, volunteer or make a gift, visit www.therootcellar.org today.
