This first issue of Acent features ten carefully vetted, high-impact charities serving Waterville and the greater central Maine region. These organizations aren't asking for much, just your awareness and whatever support you can offer, whether that's $5 from your coffee fund or an hour of your time. Every contribution, no matter the size, creates real change in your community.

Location: Kennebunk, Maine (serving central Maine region)

What They Do:
Founded in 1967, Animal Welfare Society operates as a four-star Charity Navigator organization providing comprehensive animal welfare services throughout central Maine. They run a 40-acre no-kill shelter and adoption center, offer affordable veterinary care through their Community Veterinary Clinic, and provide "Stay@Home" resources to help keep pets with their families during hardships. AWS serves over 20,000 pets and community members annually through adoptions, temporary boarding, pet food assistance, and behavioral training.

Why It Matters:
For many students dealing with stress or loneliness, pets provide crucial emotional support. AWS ensures that financial hardship doesn't force families to surrender beloved animals, while also connecting adoptable pets with loving homes. A $10 donation covers basic medical supplies for shelter animals, while $25 helps fund spay/neuter services that prevent overpopulation. Their 98% live outcome rate means your support directly saves lives.

Link to Donate or Learn More:
https://go.giveacent.org/aws

Location: Waterville, Maine

What They Do:
Operating since 1899 and maintaining a four-star Charity Navigator rating, Maine Children's Home strengthens families through adoption services, counseling, teen parent education, and their annual Christmas program serving over 1,600 children statewide. Their Journey Program provides alternative high school education specifically for pregnant teens and young parents, with free childcare and comprehensive support services.

Why It Matters:
As college students, you understand the challenges of balancing education with life's unexpected turns. MCH ensures that becoming a parent doesn't end educational dreams. They've graduated approximately 1,000 young parents over 40 years. Your $15 donation helps provide winter essentials to a Maine child in need, while $25 supports educational materials for teen parents working toward their diplomas.

Link to Donate or Learn More:
https://go.giveacent.org/mainechildrenshome

Location: Waterville, Maine

What They Do:
Since 1990, this 65-bed emergency shelter operates 24/7, providing safe accommodation, nutritious meals, case management, and housing assistance to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in central Maine. They serve over 1,000 unique individuals annually while maintaining comprehensive support programs including homeless prevention and temporary rehousing initiatives.

Why It Matters:
Housing insecurity affects people of all backgrounds, including college graduates entering a challenging job market. MMHSS provides not just emergency shelter but pathways to permanent housing and stability. A $5 donation helps provide nutritious meals for guests, while $25 covers one night of emergency shelter with case management support. Their success rate in transitioning people to permanent housing demonstrates the effectiveness of comprehensive support services.

Link to Donate or Learn More:
https://go.giveacent.org/shelterme

Location: Waterville, Maine

What They Do:
The nation's only merged Boys & Girls Club and YMCA, AYCC serves nearly 9,000 members from 50 communities across the Greater Waterville area in their 85,000-square-foot facility. Founded with support from Harold Alfond, they operate comprehensive programs including after-school care, summer camps, athletics, aquatics, and youth development programs. They maintain a $25 million endowment and serve over 10,000 members annually.

Why It Matters:
For students who grew up participating in youth programs, AYCC represents the kind of comprehensive support that shapes young lives. With a 100-year history serving the community, they provide safe spaces, mentorship, and activities for local children and families. A $10 donation funds youth activities and programs, while $25 sponsors youth membership fees, ensuring no child is turned away due to financial barriers.

Link to Donate or Learn More:
https://go.giveacent.org/aycc

Location: Waterville, Maine

What They Do:
Operating since 1981 as an all-volunteer organization, the Waterville Food Bank provides food assistance to neighbors in need throughout the area. Located at Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, they're open Monday-Thursday 9-11 AM and Monday evenings 5:30-7 PM. As a Good Shepherd Food Bank partner, they serve clients every fourteen days with vegetables, fruit, pasta, protein, dairy, bread, and other essentials.

Why It Matters:
Food insecurity affects many working families and students in the Waterville area. The food bank's volunteer-run model means nearly every dollar goes directly to purchasing food at reduced costs through Good Shepherd Food Bank. Your $10 donation provides food assistance for multiple families, while $25 helps fund volunteer operations for a day, helping dozens of community members.

Link to Donate or Learn More:
https://go.giveacent.org/watervillefoodbank

Location: Augusta, Maine (serving Kennebec and Somerset counties)

What They Do:
Earning a 96% four-star Charity Navigator rating, Family Violence Project provides comprehensive services to combat domestic abuse across Kennebec and Somerset counties. With offices in Augusta, Waterville, and Skowhegan, they offer individual advocacy, crisis intervention, legal support, safety planning, and support groups for survivors. Their court advocates assist victims in filing protection orders and navigating the legal system.

Why It Matters:
Domestic violence affects people across all demographics, including college students and recent graduates. FVP's 90.50% program expense ratio ensures donations directly support their mission. With 33 employees and 60 volunteers, they provide essential safety services that can literally save lives. A $10 donation can help with legal advocacy services, and $25 can contribute to comprehensive safety planning services for a survivor.

Link to Donate or Learn More:
https://go.giveacent.org/familyviolenceproject

Location: Waterville, Maine

What They Do:
Founded to promote the healthy development of girls and women, Hardy Girls Healthy Women operates programs that challenge harmful gender stereotypes and empower participants to become leaders and change-makers. They run the Feminist Action Board (FAB) for high school girls, provide educational workshops, and advocate for policies that support gender equity.

Why It Matters:
For college students passionate about social justice and gender equity, HGHW represents grassroots activism that creates systemic change. Their programs directly serve young women in the Waterville area, including Colby students who participate in leadership development. A $10 donation supports leadership development programs, while $25 funds workshop materials and resources that reach dozens of participants.

Link to Donate or Learn More:
https://go.giveacent.org/hardygirls

These seven organizations represent decades of proven community impact, financial transparency, and effective programming. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or simply share awareness with friends, you're contributing to a stronger, more supportive community that will benefit everyone, including future Colby graduates who choose to make central Maine their home.