In Her Presence and Androscoggin Bank are building a strong and growing partnership rooted in cross-cultural exchange, community engagement, and shared values. From volunteering in English language classes and friendship mentoring, to board participation, joining field trips with IHP women and families, and making a multi-year financial commitment, their team has demonstrated a deep and lasting commitment to uplifting and empowering immigrant women and families. This is an ongoing relationship centered on mutual learning, mentorship, and meaningful connection.
Frances Warde Visit
Recently, their team joined us in celebrating the many mothers in our community. Sharing food always provides an opportunity to connect; food has no language. At Frances Warde House, the Androscoggin Bank team joined the moms in making fruit salad that they then shared together during an English class. Everybody leaned into the experience to communicate and build trust with each other.
The Androscoggin team shared their reflections on the experience:
“The first thing I noticed when I walked through the door of the Frances Warde House was the welcoming energy and warmth that permeates the space. And as I learned over the course of our visit, that energy and warmth simply emanates from these incredibly courageous women of such dignity and grace. It was such a unique and meaningful opportunity to connect with them individually and collectively through shared learning and cooking. I came away simply awed by what they have endured to come to Maine and how committed they are to building new lives here for their children and families. I would encourage everyone to jump at the opportunity to visit Frances Ward House to get a glimpse of the magic happening there and to join the Bank in providing resources to fuel these women as they work together to elevate and empower themselves.”
Neil Kiely, CEO of Androscoggin Bank
“Everyone there was eager to learn and contribute to the conversation. The willingness to help each other was incredible and I was amazed at how quickly they were learning the English language. The kids did steal the show, and they enjoyed being part of the group.”
Christine Bishop
“I was humbled with the women’s willingness to be open and vulnerable, and was delighted to get to know them and their children. They deal with adversity with remarkable courage. It was a pleasure to be in a place that was insulated from the outside world, allowing the women the warm and nurturing atmosphere to foster their learning and eventually put them in a position to leave the nest.”
Scott Sarapas
Senior Field Trip to New Gloucester
Some of the Androscoggin Bank team also joined the IHP Seniors for a field trip to New Gloucester. With a focus on wellness and cross-cultural exchange, the group shared a picnic lunch (made with love by some of the Seniors), went on hike, and did an outdoor yoga class with Nuna Gleason of the Maine Afro Yoga Project.
Reflecting on the outing, Thierry Irambona, IHP Project Coordinator, shared, “One of the most impactful moments was simply seeing our Senior women and men laugh, connect, and feel reenergized in such a nurturing environment. These trips are vital for our Senior community. They provide more than just an outing. They offer healing and a sense of belonging.”
Leading the yoga and movement session with the Seniors was a highlight for Nuna. She focused the class on gentle, grounding movements like shoulder rolls, breathwork, and soft stretches.
“My goal was to help them reconnect with their bodies in a way that felt safe, nurturing, and empowering. There was a beautiful moment when we were standing in a wide circle with our arms lifted, and one of the ladies smiled and said, ‘I feel like I’ve come back to life.’ That moment truly captured the essence of this work – restoring joy, embodiment, and connection.”
Linda Bernard-Olson, who teaches the Senior Ladies, was a part of the outing as well. For her, the experience highlighted the magic that can happen when different cultures and generations come together. “We went on a hike to see the waterfall and what will remain with me forever is that several of the young Androscoggin Bank employees helped the Senior Ladies to walk on the uneven ground. It was such a kind, caring gesture!”
These experiences highlight how deep partnership, like with Androscoggin Bank, enables powerful connections to flourish in our community. Connection is at the heart of what we do; so many immigrants in our community have lost their support networks and face so many barriers to interact with others in the ways they would like to. We are so grateful to the Androscoggin Bank team for coming together to learn, grow, and lift up our community!
