SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine—211 Maine marked its 20th anniversary on July 7th with a celebration at The Opportunity Alliance, home to the state’s 211 contact center, recognizing two decades of helping Mainers find critical health and human services.
For 20 years, 211 Maine has served as a trusted resource for individuals and families seeking assistance with housing, food, transportation, mental health services, substance use treatment, utility assistance, and hundreds of other community resources. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 211 Maine helps callers navigate complex systems and find local support services.
“Over the last 20 years, 211 has continually adapted to meet emerging needs,” said Courtney Yeager, president of the 211 Maine Board of Directors and president and CEO of United Way of Kennebec Valley. “From serving as Maine’s Opiate Helpline and Gambling Helpline, to supporting initiatives like the Keep ME Warm Fund, to providing trusted information during public health emergencies, natural disasters, and everyday challenges, 211 has remained committed to a simple but powerful mission: helping people in Maine find local resources so they can meet their needs and thrive.”
Joe Everett, president and CEO of The Opportunity Alliance, also reflected on the history of 211 Maine and the collaborative effort that brought the service to life. A longtime champion of the program, Everett helped introduce the 211 model to Maine and played a key role in its development and launch. His remarks highlighted the vision, partnerships, and persistence that laid the foundation for the statewide service Mainers rely on today.
The anniversary event brought together community partners, state leaders, funders, supporters, and current and former staff members to celebrate the collaborative effort that has sustained the service since its launch in 2006.
During the event, Joe Legee, deputy director of the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), highlighted 211 Maine’s critical role in emergency preparedness and response.
“At MEMA, we’re proud to partner with 211 Maine because in emergencies and disasters, clear information and strong community connections are essential,” said Legee. “As we see an increase in the frequency and severity of emergencies, partnerships like the one between MEMA and 211 Maine will only become more important. Together, we help make Maine more prepared, more connected, and more resilient.”
Since becoming a statewide service, 211 Maine has responded to more than 1.3 million calls, helping individuals and families locate resources throughout Maine. The most common requests have included assistance with heating, utilities, and housing.
Derek Morin, contact center manager for 211 Maine, spoke about the human impact behind those numbers.
“Over the years, one thing has remained constant”, said Morin. “Most people reach out to us when they don’t know where else to turn. Often, they’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or just exhausted from trying to navigate challenges on their own. At times this work can feel heavy, but it is also deeply inspiring.”
Although 211 Maine is part of a nationwide network that reaches nearly 99% of the U.S. population, Maine’s service stands out for providing 24-hour, locally staffed support every day of the year.
“No matter when someone is ready to seek assistance, there’s someone local on the other end of the line ready to listen and help,” said Nikki Williams, program director for 211 Maine. “In a state like Maine, where local connections matter and communities take pride in helping one another, that commitment is especially important.”
Governor Janet Mills issued a proclamation recognizing July 7, 2026, as 211 Maine Day in honor of the service’s 20 years of impact. Representatives from the offices of U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King attended the celebration.
“211 Maine’s success is a testament to the power of partnership,” said Yeager. “Together, the United Ways of Maine, the State of Maine, and The Opportunity Alliance have demonstrated that public-private partnerships don’t just work—they can thrive and create lasting impact.”
Courtney Yeager, 211 Maine Board PresidentJoe Legee, Maine Emergency Management Agency Deputy DirectorJoe Everett, The Opportunity Alliance President and CEODerek Morin, 211 Maine Contact Center Manager211 Maine has fielded more than 1.3 million calls since 2006Team 211211 Maine Board of Directors
211 Maine Celebrates 20 Years of Statewide Support
July 9, 2026
SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine—211 Maine marked its 20th anniversary on July 7th with a celebration at The Opportunity Alliance, home to the state’s 211 contact center, recognizing two decades of helping Mainers find critical health and human services.
For 20 years, 211 Maine has served as a trusted resource for individuals and families seeking assistance with housing, food, transportation, mental health services, substance use treatment, utility assistance, and hundreds of other community resources. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 211 Maine helps callers navigate complex systems and find local support services.
“Over the last 20 years, 211 has continually adapted to meet emerging needs,” said Courtney Yeager, president of the 211 Maine Board of Directors and president and CEO of United Way of Kennebec Valley. “From serving as Maine’s Opiate Helpline and Gambling Helpline, to supporting initiatives like the Keep ME Warm Fund, to providing trusted information during public health emergencies, natural disasters, and everyday challenges, 211 has remained committed to a simple but powerful mission: helping people in Maine find local resources so they can meet their needs and thrive.”
Joe Everett, president and CEO of The Opportunity Alliance, also reflected on the history of 211 Maine and the collaborative effort that brought the service to life. A longtime champion of the program, Everett helped introduce the 211 model to Maine and played a key role in its development and launch. His remarks highlighted the vision, partnerships, and persistence that laid the foundation for the statewide service Mainers rely on today.
The anniversary event brought together community partners, state leaders, funders, supporters, and current and former staff members to celebrate the collaborative effort that has sustained the service since its launch in 2006.
During the event, Joe Legee, deputy director of the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), highlighted 211 Maine’s critical role in emergency preparedness and response.
“At MEMA, we’re proud to partner with 211 Maine because in emergencies and disasters, clear information and strong community connections are essential,” said Legee. “As we see an increase in the frequency and severity of emergencies, partnerships like the one between MEMA and 211 Maine will only become more important. Together, we help make Maine more prepared, more connected, and more resilient.”
Since becoming a statewide service, 211 Maine has responded to more than 1.3 million calls, helping individuals and families locate resources throughout Maine. The most common requests have included assistance with heating, utilities, and housing.
Derek Morin, contact center manager for 211 Maine, spoke about the human impact behind those numbers.
“Over the years, one thing has remained constant”, said Morin. “Most people reach out to us when they don’t know where else to turn. Often, they’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or just exhausted from trying to navigate challenges on their own. At times this work can feel heavy, but it is also deeply inspiring.”
Although 211 Maine is part of a nationwide network that reaches nearly 99% of the U.S. population, Maine’s service stands out for providing 24-hour, locally staffed support every day of the year.
“No matter when someone is ready to seek assistance, there’s someone local on the other end of the line ready to listen and help,” said Nikki Williams, program director for 211 Maine. “In a state like Maine, where local connections matter and communities take pride in helping one another, that commitment is especially important.”
Governor Janet Mills issued a proclamation recognizing July 7, 2026, as 211 Maine Day in honor of the service’s 20 years of impact. Representatives from the offices of U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King attended the celebration.
“211 Maine’s success is a testament to the power of partnership,” said Yeager. “Together, the United Ways of Maine, the State of Maine, and The Opportunity Alliance have demonstrated that public-private partnerships don’t just work—they can thrive and create lasting impact.”
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