Hospice takes part in Maine Nonprofit Day 

AUGUSTA — Pine Tree Hospice participated in the 17th annual Maine Nonprofit Day at the Statehouse on Tuesday, Feb. 11. Nonprofit Day provides an opportunity for nonprofits and government to assert their commitment to working together in order to creatively, efficiently and effectively serve the people of Maine.

The Maine nonprofit sector is a major economic engine, employing one out of every six Mainers. Maine’s nonprofit sector paid over $4.7 billion in wages in 2017, or 17 percent of the state’s total payroll. These wages translated into an estimated $271 million of personal income tax revenue for Maine’s state and local governments. Nonprofit Day at the Statehouse seeks to educate lawmakers on this critical piece of our economy and celebrate the importance of the work of the exhibitors. 

Photo courtesy of Pine Tree Hospice
MAINE NONPROFIT DAY — Representing Pine Tree Hospice at Maine Nonprofit Day at the Statehouse on Feb. 11 were Cheryl Crabtree, MS, coordinator of volunteers and client services, left, and Executive Director Kristen Sutherland.

Pine Tree Hospice offers non-medical care, support and education in 39 towns in all of Piscataquis County and parts of Penobscot and Somerset counties. In this huge rural area, we provide services to individuals with progressive, life-limiting illnesses and to their families. Caregivers come to us for respite, and for information and education on how to take care of family members and friends. Our bereavement programs include adult grief support groups and our community outreach programs help people with advance planning and other end-of-life concerns. Pine Tree Hospice’s trained volunteers and facilitators help make a difficult journey in a poignant time of life more bearable. Last year Pine Tree Hospice provided services to 1,784 people! 

Pine Tree Hospice is thrilled to be part of this diverse sector, and to have been invited to participate in the annual event sponsored and hosted by the Maine Association of Nonprofits at the State House. Staff attending were Executive Director Kristen Sutherland, LMSW, and Cheryl Crabtree, MS, coordinator of volunteers and client services.