Preble Street’s work is never done in isolation. We are continuously making connections with other social service providers and nonprofits to better serve clients and the needs of the community. This month, we are highlighting a key partner of Preble Street Rapid Re-Housing Services and Veterans Housing Services, Trinity Jubilee Center.
Serving over 5,000 people each year, the Trinity Jubilee Center is a secular community center located in the heart of downtown Lewiston. Doors opened in 1991, and the organization has been growing ever since to meet their community’s needs. Today’s programs include a soup kitchen, food pantry, diaper bank, day shelter, resource center, free clinic, and immigrant integration program.
By offering both basic needs and longer-term support, Trinity Jubilee Center helps people get through today while working with them to build a strong future.
“When we explain our mission and programs to people from southern Maine, we often say, ‘We’re like a much smaller version of Preble Street!’” says Executive Director Erin Reed. “Our work has overlapped with Preble Street’s in several ways over the years. We’ve worked with the Preble Street Veterans Housing Services and Rapid Re-Housing Services teams to serve mutual clients. The staff in various roles at Preble Street, from shelter managers up to Executive Director Mark Swann, have been so gracious in letting us pick their brains about how they meet certain needs and design their programs as well as how they frame and direct their work.”
Now, after 34 years in a rented basement space, Trinity will soon move into a larger location offering nearly four times the space!
“We are nearing completion on the construction of our new facility,” says Erin. “We toured both Elena’s Way and the Food Security Hub as we planned the design and operations of the new space. We really appreciate the Preble Street team for taking the time to share the knowledge and experience that they have!”
The appreciation goes both ways. “Trinity is a fixture in the heart of the Lewiston-Auburn community,” shares Leanne Pomeroy, Preble Street Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) Director. “They are a low-barrier agency offering meals, basic needs, supportive services, a safe and warm space, and a meeting place for collaborating with other community providers. Often, when RRH is looking to connect with someone, Trinity is a first step as they have an in-the-moment pulse and connection with community members that is invaluable.”
Staff Highlight: Judith Uwimbabazi – “The human being that I am today is because of Preble Street and working hard”
Preble Street staff are #CompassionInAction, and we want you to get to know them! This month, we’re introducing you to Judith Uwimbabazi, Caseworker at Elena’s Way Wellness Shelter Name, title, and program: Judith, caseworker, Elena’s Way How long have you worked at Preble Street? Since December 2017. What do you like best about your role? Helping people and
Staff highlight: Sarah Geores – “I’m constantly learning”
Preble Street staff are #CompassionInAction, and we want you to get to know them! This month, we’re introducing you to Sarah Geores, Caseworker at Elena’s Way Wellness Shelter Name, title, and program: Sarah, caseworker, Elena’s Way How long have you worked at Preble Street? Since December 2022 What do you like best about your role?
Statement on expiration of federal funding for anti-trafficking services
From Hailey Virusso, Preble Street Director of Anti-Trafficking Services: Closing out a federal grant is both a tumultuous and grounding experience. In the flurry of contingency planning, documentation, and endings are also the stories of resilience, of healing, of love. At Preble Street, love is the difference – love for the journey, love during pain,