Civic groups and services

Abused Women’s Advocacy Project, 800-559-AWAP, www.awap.org has resources and services for victims of domestic violence. Serving Franklin, Androscoggin, and Oxford counties.

American Legion Auxiliary is the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization. Through its nearly 10,500 Units located in every state and some foreign countries, the Auxiliary embodies the spirit of America that has prevailed through war and peace. Along with The American Legion, it solidly stands behind America and her ideals. FMI, visit www.legion-aux.org.

AmeriCorps *VISTA, 800-942-2677, helps bring communities and individuals out of poverty. Members serve in hundreds of nonprofit organizations and public agencies throughout the country – working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, increase housing opportunities, or bridge the digital divide. FMI, visit www.mainevista.net.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters, 199 Main Street, Norway, 743-7035, www.childhealthcenter.org, offers a preventative program based on one-to-one relationships between an adult volunteer and a child at-risk.

Camp Sunshine offers families with a child diagnosed with diseases such as cancer, kidney disease, lupus, brain tumors, and other life-threatening illnesses free week-long camp experiences. Because the strain of a life-threatening illness can be significant to the entire family, Camp Sunshine gives them the opportunity to rebuild their relationships and enjoy week-long retreats packed with fun-filled events. Camp Sunshine operates year-round, and is the first camp in the nation to focus on serving the entire family, not just the sick child. The program is free of charge to all families, and includes 24-hour onsite medical and psychosocial support. Bereavement groups are also offered for families who have lost a child to an illness. The Camp is accredited by the American Camping Association and has also been awarded Charity Navigator’s Top Rating for fiscal management. For more information about Camp Sunshine’s programs, and to learn more about volunteering or making a donation, visit the camp’s website at www.campsunshine.org, or call (207) 655-3800.

Community Concepts provides transportation for residents of Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties to medical appointments, child development programs, and other critical destinations. Volunteer driving team provides an important service, enhancing the quality of life for those who have no other means of transportation. FMI, visit www.community-concepts.org.

Franklin County Animal Shelter, 550 Industry Rd., Farmington, 778-2638

Franklin County Children’s Task Force, Farmington, 778-6960 or 888-429-6960, is committed to the prevention of child abuse and neglect through promotion of healthy child, family and community development. www.fcctf.org.

Maine Farm Bureau, 622-4111 or 800-639-2126, is unmatched in representing and providing programs and services that keep farm families producing, while also protecting the property rights of any landowner in the state of Maine. FMI, visit www.mainefarmbureau.com.

Mexico Lions Club, contact Leo Dyer at Dyers Electronic, 364-7606.

Northern Oxford County Literacy Volunteers of America, 635 Waldo Street, Rumford, 364-4377.

Operation Santa Claus (Western Maine Community Action), Wilton, 645-3764 or 800-645-9636, provides gifts and clothing to children and elderly of Franklin County plus Livermore/Livermore Falls, Maine. It is supported by donations of cash and gifts from local businesses, individuals and program fund raising. FMI, visit www.wmca.org.

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust works with willing parties to find ways to preserve forever the scenic, natural, and historic resources of the region. The Trust can acquire land and conservation easements through purchase or donation. FMI, call 864-7311 or visit www.rlht.org.

R.E.A.C.H. (Rape Education and Crisis Hotline) hotline 800-871-7741, counseling and information 743-9777, 1 East Main Street, South Paris.

Rotary Club provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Visit www.ri7790.org/eng/clubs/index.asp for a list of clubs in Maine, including contact information.

SAVES, 138 Pleasant St., Farmington, 778-9522, www.savesrapecrisis.org. Support and advocacy for those who have been sexually assaulted and abused. Education, information, and referral.

Senior Corps taps the experience, skills, and talents of citizens 55+ through its programs – Foster Grandparents (800-215-4942), Senior Companions (800-287-0274), and RSVP, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (800-42707411) – to assist local nonprofits, public agencies, and faith-based organizations in carrying out their missions.

SeniorsPlus, 465 Main Street, Lewiston, 800-427-1241, www.seniorsplus.org, provides services to seniors through two divisions. One is the Area Agency on Aging serving Oxford, Franklin and Androscoggin counties and the other is Elder Independence of Maine that coordinates home care services for adults, 18 and older, throughout the state of Maine.

United Way of Oxford County, South Paris, 743-5833, www.uwoxfordcounty.org.

United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, 232 Broadway, Farmington 778-5048, www.uwtva.org.

Wilton Lion’s Club offers people the opportunity to give something back to their communities. From involving members in projects as local as cleaning up an area park or as far-reaching as bringing sight to the world’s blind, Lions clubs have always embraced those committed to building a brighter future for their community. FMI, visit wiltonme.lionwap.org.