Please read the following memo regarding our response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus): |
Dear Supporters & Friends,
Here at Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine, we are taking steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in our local community. In accordance with recommendations from the Maine Center for Disease Control, we are making temporary adjustments to our services that will help to minimize transmission of the virus, while continuing to prioritize the needs of Maine survivors.
Here are the temporary changes to our services, effective immediately:
We want to thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this challenging time. We hope that by taking these steps, we can do our part in minimizing the spread of COVID-19 in our community, while continuing to provide critical services for survivors. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Wishing you safety and wellness!
- SASSMM Team
Updated July 1, 2020
Here at Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine, we are taking steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in our local community. In accordance with recommendations from the Maine Center for Disease Control, we are making temporary adjustments to our services that will help to minimize transmission of the virus, while continuing to prioritize the needs of Maine survivors.
Here are the temporary changes to our services, effective immediately:
- Phone Support – Helpline Advocates will continue to be available to provide phone support through our free, private, 24-hour Helpline at 1-800-871-7741. We also offer text chat services Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 11:00 pm. For more information, click here.
- In-Person Support – All in-person support services have been suspended until further notice. This includes hospital, police, and most court accompaniments. While we can’t always be there in person, we’re still here to help! Our Helpline Advocates are available for personalized phone support at any time.
- Midcoast Children’s Advocacy Center (MCAC) – Child forensic interviews are proceeding at both of our MCAC locations, with rigorous cleaning protocols and CDC safety guidelines in effect. In Rockland, multi-disciplinary team members observe interviews through a remote-viewing platform. In Wiscasset, multi-disciplinary team members may attend interviews live or observe interviews remotely. Both of our locations offer Family Advocacy services via remote video connection. Masks are mandatory for in-person attendance. Washable handmade masks are provided for families to wear on site and take home thanks to donations from community members. MCAC staff are available via phone or email during normal business hours to provide consult for case workers and law enforcement, to make referrals to services for families, and to offer one-to-one support and safety planning for families and caregivers who have been referred to our center.
- Community Outreach & Meetings – Staff have been instructed to practice social distancing and refrain from attending community meetings or outreach events until further notice. When possible, staff are encouraged to participate via video or tele-conferencing.
- Events – All fundraising & awareness events will be cancelled or postponed until further notice. Awareness events previously scheduled for Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April have been cancelled. Our 2020 Brunswick Gala & Auction fundraiser, previously scheduled for April 4, has been indefinitely postponed.
- School-Based Education – All school-based programming will be suspended until further notice.
We want to thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this challenging time. We hope that by taking these steps, we can do our part in minimizing the spread of COVID-19 in our community, while continuing to provide critical services for survivors. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Wishing you safety and wellness!
- SASSMM Team
Updated July 1, 2020
