Earlier this month, KVCAP and the Poverty Action Coalition were honored with a Spirit of Partnership award from United Way of Mid-Maine. This annual award recognizes an organization that has supported UWMM’s mission through effective and innovative collaboration. In addition to the award, Sen. Angus King sent along a senatorial sentiment with his regional representative, Ben Tucker. As my colleagues and I accepted the honor, I reflected on the impact partnership has on my life.

Partnership is what allowed me to stay and serve as an Americorps VISTA for two years. A number of community organizations pooled their resources to keep me in my position.

Partnership is what fuels our Community Investors initiative. If not for the partnership between General Assistance, the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, KVCAP, and AOS 92, we would not have requests. We would also lack the knowledge, experience, and coordination that comes from solving problems together.

Partnership is necessary to any community that wants to succeed. Any individual who has found themselves in a place of honor and recognition must understand that they did not get to there alone. It takes partnership to uplift individuals and, by extension, the entire community.

As I wrap up my second year of service, I look to the future of Waterville with hope. I see my individual legacy woven into the larger legacy of partnership, which will sustain the projects I helped create.

Paige Barker

Winslow