Penquis Mental Health Association presents $4,900

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom PILOT CONTRIBUTION — Dover-Foxcroft Town Manager Jack Clukey, left, accepts a $4,900 check from Charlotte White Center CEO Richard Brown on July 9. The monies are a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) from the Penquis Mental Health Association for properties operated by the Charlotte White Center in Dover-Foxcroft.

DOVER-FOXCROFT —  The Penquis Mental Health Association recently presented the town of Dover-Foxcroft with a check for $4,900. This contribution is made as payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for properties operated by the Charlotte White Center in Dover-Foxcroft.

In 1997 in response to a request made to non-profits by the town of Dover-Foxcroft, the Charlotte White Center and Penquis Mental Health Association made the decision to contribute to the town by making a PILOT contribution. Contributions to other towns throughout the Charlotte White Center’s support network have been added as services expanded into those areas.

This is the 18th year of PILOT contributions to Dover-Foxcroft and represents an overall tally of over $56,000. The PILOT contributions are based on the agency’s ability to generate sufficient funds each year, as contracts with the state of Maine are negotiated and fluctuate annually. Other towns receiving annual PILOT contributions are Dexter, Abbot, East Corinth, Levant, Brewer and Bangor. These payments are voluntary, as the charitable work of non-profits contribute to the “public good” including improving Maine’s economy.

The Charlotte White Center serves 1,200 individuals and families, adults and children, on an annual basis. The services support people affected by intellectual disabilities, mental health needs, cerebral palsy and acquired brain injuries. The Charlotte White Center also provides services for over 100 residential beds and employs a staff of 450. The agency contributes $10 million in payroll and additionally spends $2.5 million annually purchasing goods and services from local businesses and vendors throughout its service region.

The Charlotte White Center, along with the Penquis Mental Health Association, deeply appreciates the ongoing support and services afforded to the agency by the townspeople. Agency officials consider themselves in partnership with the towns to create a responsive and effective system of support for people affected by life challenges of mental illness, acquired brain injuries or developmental disabilities.

For more information on Charlotte White Center programs, please visit www.charlottewhitecenter.com.