Healthy Acadia Announces Bold Fundraising Goals to Celebrate 25 Years

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release date: April 2, 2026

Program contact: Shoshona Smith, shoshona@healthyacadia.org
Media contact: Tracey Carlson, tracey@healthyacadia.org

Healthy Acadia Announces Bold Fundraising Goals to Celebrate 25 Years

MAINE -  Marking a quarter-century of impact, Healthy Acadia is proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026, honoring two decades of dedicated service to regional health and wellbeing. To mark this milestone year, the organization is launching a bold $1.5 million fundraising campaign to carry its mission forward and deepen its impact over the next 25 years.

“Community is at the core of our work,” said Shoshona Smith, development director at Healthy Acadia. “Our programs are shaped by the needs and strengths of the people we serve and made possible through generosity and partnership. This year, we’re inviting our community to join us once again as we build health and hope for today and for the next quarter century.”

The campaign includes two key fundraising goals:

Programmatic fundraising goal: $1 million
Funds will support priority program areas, including:

  • Substance use recovery and behavioral health supports

  • Healthy food access for all

  • Overnight warming center

  • Safe Harbor Recovery Home for Women and Children

  • Community-wide mindfulness, self-compassion, and resilience education

  • Youth empowerment and workforce development

  • Community health navigation and barrier-removal funds

Endowment fundraising goal: $500,000
Healthy Acadia has launched an organizational endowment with $100,000 in seed funding to provide flexible, dependable support for years to come. Community contributions will help ensure long-term sustainability and expand the organization’s ability to respond to emerging needs.

Healthy Acadia’s annual budget is $6.5 million and is supported by community and business contributions, as well as state, federal, and private grants.

“Our work is really about neighbors helping neighbors, making sure people have what they need to stay well and get through tough times,” said Tracey Carlson, communications director at Healthy Acadia. “That’s what public health looks like at the local level, and it’s at the heart of what we do every day. Together, we’re making health happen.”

Community members can support local public health by contributing to Healthy Acadia’s direct programming - helping ensure individuals and families receive the support they need now - or by giving to the organization’s endowment to strengthen long-term, sustainable funding for the years ahead. Planned gifts, such as bequests, are also encouraged.

“Looking ahead, Healthy Acadia is focused on continuing to serve where the needs are greatest,” said Elsie Flemings, executive director. “We’re so grateful for what we’ve built together with our communities, and we’re excited about what’s next.”

As part of its anniversary celebration, Healthy Acadia is also launching Art for Health and Hope, a community art initiative inviting people to contribute to a large-scale installation.

Two upcoming free, public art-making gatherings are planned:

  • Wednesday, April 8, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at 77 Beechland Road in Ellsworth

  • Friday, April 10, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at 121 Court St. in Machias

All are welcome, regardless of artistic experience. Those unable to attend in person are invited to create and contribute artwork independently. Community members are encouraged to RSVP at healthyacadia.org.

Healthy Acadia welcomes community members to take part in this milestone year and help shape the next 25 years of building health and hope across the region. To support the campaign, learn more or RSVP to events, visit www.healthyacadia.org, follow Healthy Acadia on Facebook (@healthyacadia) or Instagram (@healthyacadiame), or contact Shoshona Smith at 207-664-1751 or shoshona@healthyacadia.org.

Healthy Acadia, celebrating 25 years, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to building vibrant communities and making it easier for everyone to lead healthy lives. Primarily serving Maine’s Washington and Hancock counties, the organization provides community health support and leadership across the state through partnerships, programs, and advocacy. Learn more at https://healthyacadia.org.

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