BIDDEFORD AND AUBURN, ME – April 13, 2020 – To answer a growing need for food and sustenance, Maine Community Bank and its divisions, Biddeford Savings and Mechanics Savings, has contributed $20,000 to food pantries in each of their branch communities.

“At a time when schools are closed and unemployment is on the rise, we wanted to ensure that our food pantries are able to continue providing nutritious food to individuals and families in need,” said Jeanne Hulit, President and CEO of Maine Community Bank. “We want our customers and our communities to know that Maine Community Bank is always here to support you, no matter what the circumstances may be.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, food pantries have reported critical needs and increased demands for help.  These issues have surfaced as many are unexpectedly experiencing a reduction or complete loss of income during the current economic crisis.

The following food pantries each received a $2,000 donation from Maine Community Bank to purchase food and other nonperishable goods: Biddeford Food Pantry in Biddeford, Community Outreach Services in Kennebunk, Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program in Brunswick, Trinity Jubilee Center in Lewiston, Saco Food Pantry in Saco, St. Mary’s Nutrition Center in Lewiston, Scarborough Food Pantry in Scarborough, Seeds of Hope in Biddeford, Windham Food Pantry and Clothes Closet in Windham, and Waterboro Food Pantry in Waterboro.

Maine Community Bank also joined forces with Maine Bankers Association and 33 other Maine banks to collectively raise $61,000 in less than 8 hours for the #LetsFeedME initiative. The funds were distributed to food pantries in every Maine county.

March 26, 2020 – PORTLAND, ME – Members of the Maine Immigrant Prosperity Network (MIPN) and ProsperityME met via zoom
on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 to discuss how to best support the immigrant community during the health crisis presented by coronavirus. Maine Community Bank and its divisions, Biddeford Savings and Mechanics Savings, are among the founding members of MIPN.

ProsperityME and MIPN members consider the health and well-being of the community our highest priority. We also recognize in this time of uncertainty that the financial and economic well-being of our students, clients, and members is also of critical importance. The temporary closure of “nonessential” businesses and adoption of “social distancing” – essential public health measures taken to slow the spread of the virus – have already begun to impact our economy. We want to help lessen the financial impact of the virus on our immigrant members any way we can.

In that spirit of support, MIPN is committed to helping the immigrant community conduct “business as usual” as much as possible. Please know that banks, credit unions and insurance companies are considered essential services and will remain open for the duration of the health crisis. Please call ahead if you plan to travel to your institution to conduct business, as “drive thru” financial services may be different from what you are used to.

The safest place for your money in a personal savings or checking account in a financial institution. Money deposited in an FDIC insured or NCUA insured credit union is protected by the federal government up to $250,000. The United States financial system is very stable and, as a nation, we have not experienced a serious bank panic in over 80 years. Using a debit card – which can be cleaned after transactions – or a touch-free digital wallet like apple or google pay – is the lowest health-risk payment method. We encourage the community to adopt online or mobile banking where possible to protect your assets and your physical health with added benefit of having access to your accounts 24/7.

MIPN and ProsperityME will continue to meet in April as the situation is ever-evolving. We understand the need to be responsive and to provide accurate and useful information to the community as soon as we can. We attached to this message practical information to help you
conduct business safely and protect your financial well-being during this time. While we cannot be certain what will happen during the coming weeks, we are committed to serving and guiding our community though this crisis. It is our hope that we can help all our members,
clients, and students emerge into a stronger and more inclusive Maine economy in the coming months.

Thank you for being part of our community.

Be Well,

Maine Immigrants Prosperity Network Founding Members and ProsperityME

January 3, 2019 – AUBURN, ME – Maine Community Bancorp, the mutual holding company that owns Mechanics Savings and Biddeford Savings, recently announced that the minimum wage for full-time employees will increase to $15 per hour.

The increase, which took effect January 1, 2019, is part of Maine Community Bancorp’s commitment to being an employer of choice in the state of Maine. The wage increase affects sixty-seven percent of the organization’s 77 hourly employees and is $4 per hour higher than the state of Maine minimum wage.

“The wage increase recognizes the value of everyone’s service to Maine Community Bancorp, especially our hard-working customer service and operations staff that make us so successful,” said Jeanne Hulit, president and CEO of Maine Community Bancorp. “It is also further demonstration of our commitment to attracting and retaining talented employees who can help us grow stronger together.”

“The minimum wage increase is more than just an investment in our employees; it’s an investment in our communities,” said Jon Oxman, chairman of the Maine Community Bancorp board of directors. “By increasing the living wage, we’re helping build solid financial foundations for our staff, allowing them to save and to reinvest their money by spending at local businesses. Our employees deserve the same level of financial security that we strive to provide our customers.”