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CEI's mission in these cities is to become part of the
fabric of the community, partnering not only on conventional economic and
community development, but also cultural, civic, educational and human capital
development. When community and business leaders are gathered for an event or
to respond to a challenge, we are at the table. CEI maintains a Lewiston
office at 95 Park Street, Suite 406.
We are co-located and often partner with the Lewiston Auburn Economic Growth
Council on lending, community enhancement and regional economic development.
Sustainable Communities staff contribute to many community efforts including
Empower Lewiston, based in a HUD-designated empowerment zone consisting of the
two poorest census tracts in Maine.
Contact Marcel Gagne, Lewiston-Auburn Program Developer, at 777-5060.
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YouthBuild at CEI |
The most vibrant example of our community development work
in Lewiston is Youthbuild. The
CEI-sponsored program accepts young people between the ages of 18 and 24 who
have dropped out of high school and have little or no work experience. The program
participants learn carpentry and other building skills and attend daily GED or
high school equivalency classes. For practical experience, participants work on
housing rehabilitation projects that benefit the local community. Daily
counseling and encouragement, career exploration and learning a positive work
ethic are all part of the program. Youthbuild Lewiston is a part of CEI’s
Housing Program.
190 Bates Street,
Lewiston’s former Legion Hall, is now home
to the members and staff of Youthbuild Lewiston.
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Faithworks/Outsource Works, Lewiston |
Located within one of Maine's poorest census tracts, Faithworks is a
nonprofit, job shop assembly operation performing contract work such
as stuffing sample bags. It provides piecework employment for
welfare-dependent people not employable at traditional work places. CEI
and Faithworks are long-time partners.
CEI has provided financing for this social venture, as well as grant
dollars to support employee education and training. In turn, Faithworks
is directly meeting CEI's mission, "To help create economically and
environmentally healthy communities in which all people, especially
those with low incomes, can reach their full potential." Many of
Faithworks' employees are TANF recipients or have disabilities or are
vocational rehabilitation clients. A good number of employees live
within the census tract in which Faithworks operates and walk to work.
During 2004, Faithworks provided more than 62,143 hours of employment
for workers who earned an average hourly wage of $11.89. |
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Philosophy and Programs 
Maine Legislature Passes Model Anti-Predatory Lending Bill.