FY 2024 Annual Report
October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024
Director’s Note
In 2024, we centered our work around uplifting the lived experiences of survivors of domestic abuse and violence across Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties.
From testifying at the State House to organizing a community vigil and hosting a powerful anniversary event, each effort was rooted in the stories and strength of those we serve—and a reminder of why this work matters so deeply.
It remains an incredible honor to journey with survivors toward safety, justice, and healing. We are profoundly grateful to our community for its generosity, trust, and continued belief in our mission.
As we look ahead, we do so with cautious optimism. Guided by the voices of survivors and supported by a strong network of partners, we remain hopeful and committed as we embark on the next 50 years of working to end domestic violence in our communities.
– Amanda Cost, Executive Director
Our Mission
Our mission is to engage individuals and the community to end domestic violence in Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties in Maine. We provide support, advocacy and safety planning to anyone affected by domestic abuse. We foster safe and healthy relationships through prevention, education and training. Together with our community we recognize the nature of abuse, respond to it, and change the conditions which lead to it.
Our Vision
We believe that every person deserves to live in peace and equality, and that just and respectful relationships can change the world.
“Behold the transformative power of a deeply caring community.”
– A Survivor
Our Values
Over several months in FY24, Partners for Peace staff and board members came together to create a shared Values Statement.
We are proud to share these values, which serve as a foundation for how we work, make decisions, and show up for one another. They reflect not only how we treat each other within our organization, but also how we engage with survivors and our broader community.
↳ CARING We act with compassion, empathy, and respect in our support of individuals, allowing them to find and sustain hope.
↳ BELONGING We seek to foster a more equitable world by working to create a safe, inclusive, accessible, and diverse community in which all people can share their truth.
↳ AUTHENTICITY We work to continually align our actions with our words, welcoming and encouraging all people to live as their truest selves.
↳ GROWTH We pursue, create, and engage in opportunities to reflect, learn, and change, remaining flexible and adaptable to support others and ourselves.
↳ COLLABORATION We connect with our community and encourage all to listen and amplify the voices of those with lived experience and act together towards a more peaceful and just world.
↳ JUSTICE We journey with people as they discover what justice means to them and advocate for systemic and social change.
Trailblazers of Change
Celebrating 50 Years of Domestic Violence Advocacy in Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties.
Partners for Peace was the first domestic violence program in Maine and the third in the country.
On October 6, 2023, Partners for Peace invited our community to join us at the Cross Insurance Center for a delightful evening celebrating 50 years of domestic violence advocacy. This celebration was momentous for our state.
We welcomed nearly 200 guests to hear stories, learn about our Pet Friendly Shelter, and highlight many of our accomplishments as a movement over the past five decades. It was a joyous occasion with staff, board members, volunteers, survivors, community partners, founders, donors, elected officials, and more.
We will forever remember this evening filled with laughter, tears, and reflection. We thank everyone who attended, sent their congratulations, or celebrated our work in other ways. We are looking forward to the next 50 years!
In addition to our 50th Anniversary Event in Bangor, we hosted two intimate Homecoming dinners—in Bangor and in Dover-Foxcroft—to honor the founders and early pioneers of the domestic violence movement. They were heartfelt evenings filled with laughter, shared memories, and deep appreciation for their lasting impact.
| Read Fox Bangor Feature | |
| Read Piscatiquis Observer Feature | |
Our Response to Survivors in FY24
Every call answered. Every story heard. Every survivor believed.
At Partners for Peace, we recognize that every statistic represents a survivor—someone facing immense barriers, seeking safety, and working toward healing. In FY24, we walked alongside 1,633 adult survivors and 1,332 children, providing support grounded in compassion, advocacy, and hope.
Among those we served:
These numbers reflect not only the growing demand for our services but the profound courage of those who reach out. Every contact is an act of resilience and a step toward safety.
- 1,245 women, 141 men, 88 individuals had an unknown gender due to anonymity
- 573 individuals lived in rural areas with barriers to safety due to lack of resources
- 218 survivors identified as having a disability, including:
- 73 with a physical disability
- 51 with a chronic health condition
- 8 with a developmental disability
- Overall, those served spanned the age spectrum, including 101 older adults.
Helpline & Advocacy Services:
Our 24/7 helpline is often the first point of contact—a vital connection to safety and support. This crisis support leads to ongoing advocacy.
- 4,464 calls answered: 2,260 crisis calls and 2,204 advocacy calls
- 8,457 engagements via phone, text, email, and in-person support
Support & Connection:
Healing happens in the community. Survivors accessed emotional support from others with shared experience.
- 43 survivors participated in 550 hours of peer-led virtual support groups
Legal & Child Protection Advocacy:
Survivors often face complex and intimidating legal systems. We stand beside them, offering guidance, support, and advocacy every step of the way.
- 679 survivors received support navigating criminal and civil court proceedings, including help with filing and advocating for Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders
- 123 survivors were supported in their interactions with Child Protective Services, ensuring their rights and voices were centered in child welfare decisions
Our Legal Program staff also played a key role in implementing the new PFA Order e-filing system in Penobscot County, helping streamline and improve access to legal protections for survivors.
Residential & Housing Support:
A safe place to stay is often the first step toward long-term healing and stability.
In FY24, our residential and housing programs provided critical refuge and support to survivors facing immediate danger or homelessness:
- 98 individuals, including 24 children, spent a total of 2,722 nights in our Pet Friendly Emergency Shelter
- 6 adults and 8 children secured safety and stability through our Transitional Housing Program
- 314 individuals were unhoused at the time of service, highlighting the urgent need for accessible, survivor-centered housing solutions
We expanded our services to meet this growing need by launching a new Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) program. This initiative helps survivors transition from emergency shelter into long-term housing through individualized support and financial assistance. We also welcomed a Housing Navigator, who works directly with shelter guests to identify housing options and navigate barriers to stability.
So far, 5 survivors have been enrolled in the RRH program, each receiving rental subsidies that cover up to 100% of their rent for up to 24 months.
This new program marks a significant step forward in our ability to provide flexible, empowering support—ensuring that more survivors have the opportunity to build safe, independent futures.
Martha’s Story
“Group has been really helpful.
Thank you so much for all of your support.”
– Martha*
When Martha* first walked into the Dover-Foxcroft courthouse, she carried the weight of 18 years of abuse.
Her marriage had been marked by emotional, physical, and sexual violence. Her three children had also experienced physical harm. That day, Martha was seeking a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order—but she didn’t have to do it alone. A Victim Witness Advocate from the District Attorney’s Office connected her with Partners for Peace, and one of our legal advocacy staff met her at the courthouse to guide and support her through the process.
Martha’s partner had made violent threats and exhibited suicidal behavior, leaving her deeply concerned for her children’s safety. After the temporary PFA was granted, our advocate worked alongside law enforcement to ensure the order was served promptly, allowing Martha to bring her children to safety.
From that moment forward, Martha remained connected to Partners for Peace. She called our 24/7 helpline for emotional support and practical guidance during some of her darkest moments. Our team helped her create a personalized safety plan, locate a pro bono attorney for her final hearing, and navigate the complex legal system with clarity and confidence. When her abuser refused to agree to a consent order, Martha stood her ground—empowered by the steady support at her side.
But our advocacy didn’t stop in the courtroom. Martha was also connected to financial assistance to keep her power on, community resources to help her rebuild, and a support group where she shared her story and found strength among fellow survivors. She leaned on our legal advocacy and child protection staff to help her through difficult interviews with child welfare, always centered in compassion and care.
At one point, overwhelmed by trauma, Martha attempted to end her life. One of our advocates met her at the hospital, offering calm presence and connection in a moment of crisis. In the year and a half that followed, Martha continued to engage with Partners for Peace, receiving legal guidance, ongoing safety planning, and a community of support that believed in her.
Today, Martha is divorced from her abuser and has full custody of her two young children. She still attends our support group, where she continues her healing journey—on her own terms, in her own time.
Martha’s story is just one of many.
In FY24, Partners for Peace supported 68 individuals in filing PFAs and provided advocacy for 61 children impacted by domestic violence. With each call, connection, and act of support, we help survivors reclaim safety, dignity, and hope.
*Name changed for confidentiality
Volunteers
Volunteers are the heart of our mission, offering compassionate support to survivors and strengthening every aspect of our work.
Whether answering late-night helpline calls, offering a calming presence in court, facilitating peer support groups, or providing childcare during appointments, our volunteers meet survivors with empathy and respect. They also power our outreach efforts—distributing materials, staffing awareness events, and helping sort donations to meet urgent needs.
Last year, 23 dedicated volunteers contributed 1,314 service hours, including 816 hours of direct advocacy. Their presence not only extends our capacity but also reassures survivors that they are not alone and that our community cares deeply about their safety, healing, and empowerment.
Volunteer Spotlight
MaryLee McIntosh has been a steadfast and compassionate volunteer with Partners for Peace.
After completing over 45 hours of core advocacy training, she connected with survivors at community events, coordinated meals and groceries for shelter residents, and served as a vocal advocate for survivors throughout the community.
In 2021, MaryLee was honored with the Partners for Peace Michele Alexander Volunteer of the Year Award for her service. Last year, MaryLee retired from her volunteer role.
We are deeply grateful for her years of dedicated service and the lasting impact she has made in the lives of those we serve.
“Don’t ever doubt that the work you all do every day impacts lives. Don’t ever doubt that your dedication to survivors is remembered by those you’ve helped.”
– Carla, Volunteer
Prevention & Community Education
Building safer communities starts with education, awareness, and action.
In FY24, we expanded our outreach to ensure more people from all walks of life understand the dynamics of domestic violence and learn how to be part of the solution.
We provided 25 professional training sessions, reaching 380 adults, including social workers, educators, healthcare providers, and law enforcement. These sessions focused on understanding domestic violence, supporting survivors with empathy, and holding those who use abuse accountable.
We provided 64 youth-focused presentations, engaging 964 students, empowering them with tools to build healthy relationships and recognize the signs of dating abuse.
We coordinated and engaged in 46 community awareness events and activities, elevating the conversation around safety and prevention. From Domestic Violence Awareness Month to Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month, we showed up across our region to engage, educate, and connect with the community.
Our staff played a key role in developing and enhancing training curricula for domestic violence advocates statewide, as well as for university Title IX personnel.
We advocated at the State House for sustainable funding for domestic violence services and educated lawmakers about the critical, life-saving work we do every day.
In FY24, we began showcasing survivor stories and artwork from our FY23-developed Collective Story Project at local events—amplifying awareness and education through the powerful voices and creativity of survivors themselves. One highlight was our collaboration with the Penobscot Theatre Company during their production of Little Shop of Horrors, a show that includes depictions of domestic violence. We displayed survivor artwork and stories in the lobby before and after performances, offering attendees a deeper understanding of domestic abuse and available resources. Ahead of the show’s run, we also met with the cast and director to provide trauma-informed education on portraying domestic violence with sensitivity and care.
Together, these efforts help plant the seeds of change—one conversation, one classroom, and one community at a time.
FY 2024 Income
Total income → $2,667,555
Direct Public Support – Government → 71%
Direct Public Support – Contracts → 3%
Direct Public Support – Individuals and Businesses → 14%
Direct Public Support – Restricted → 4%
Indirect Public Support – Investment Income → 7%
Miscellaneous → 1%
Our Partners & Supporters
We are deeply grateful for the many partners, funders, businesses, and individuals who make our work possible. Your investment in our mission strengthens our ability to respond to domestic violence with compassion, advocacy, and lasting impact.
We were honored at the final Friends of the Cross Insurance Center event, where Partners for Peace was recognized as a past Non-Profit of the Year. In a surprise moment of generosity, attendees selected us to receive an additional $5,000 award—a thrilling reminder of the community’s belief in our mission.
In FY24, we received critical funding from:
Office on Violence Against Women
U.S. Department of Justice
Department of Health & Human Services
MaineHousing
City of Bangor Community Development Department
Heart of Maine United Way
The Heart of Maine United Way continued its vital support of our advocacy services, helping us provide direct assistance, safety planning, and empowerment to survivors across our region.
With support from the STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant, we launched phase one of a three-year systems change initiative focused on improving collaboration and referral pathways among law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, and the courts.
A Community Development Block Grant from the City of Bangor enabled us to sustain our Children’s Advocacy Program, delivering trauma-informed services to children affected by domestic violence.
We continued to expand our legal advocacy and rural outreach efforts thanks to two grants from the Office on Violence Against Women. One of these grants supported our partnership with Pine Tree Legal Assistance, providing free legal representation to survivors seeking Protection from Abuse Orders.
We are also grateful for the support of charitable funds:
Barbara Cassidy Foundation
Francis T. and Louise T. Nichols Foundation
Lois M. Gauthier Charitable Trust
Ray Family Charitable Trust
Our Corporate Partner Program flourished thanks to the ongoing commitment of local businesses:
Maine Savings Federal Credit Union
Hollywood Casino
Casella Waste Systems
MS Walker Inc.
Versant Power
Lumbra Hardwood Products
Katahdin Trust Company
ConvenientMD
Rowell’s Garage
Steinke & Caruso Dental
Missionary Society Thrift Shop
Penobscot Veterinary Services
Hollywood Casino continued their generous support this year through a large donation of patron-donated tickets and an additional sizeable financial contribution, reinforcing their commitment to making a difference for survivors in our region.
We also honor our community response partners, who work alongside us in the shared mission to end domestic violence:
District Attorney’s Office
Local Law Enforcement Agencies
Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence
Penobscot Nation Advocacy Center
Penquis
Pine Tree Legal Assistance
Rape Response Services
Saint Andre Home/CourageLIVES
St. Joseph’s Hospital
University of Maine Title IX Office
And many others
A new and exciting partnership with Verizon Wireless’s More Than a Phone program allowed us to provide secure phones to survivors, offering a lifeline of communication, connection, and safety.
Finally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our community’s many individuals and families who chose to give. From one-time donations to recurring gifts, every contribution reflects a shared belief in safety, dignity, and justice for all. Your generosity fuels this work and gives survivors the tools and support they need to begin again.
“I am incredibly grateful and thankful for the help I receive from you and your organization. Your support has had a tremendous impact on our lives.”
– A Survivor
Pet Friendly Shelter Grand Opening
No one should have to choose between safety and their pet.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 71% of women in shelters report that their abuser threatened, harmed, or killed a pet—and nearly half delay leaving an abusive partner out of fear for their pet’s safety. Yet only 19% of shelters in the U.S. allow pets. We knew that needed to change.
Thanks to generous support from Greater Good Charities, Rescue Rebuild, RedRover, and the Bangor Humane Society, our vision became reality. In 2023, volunteers from across the country—led by Rescue Rebuild—helped renovate our emergency shelter to include safe, welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces for pets. Renovations also included a new front ramp and fire escape, improving accessibility for all.
Our staff worked to build strong, lasting partnerships with local pet boarding facilities, veterinarians, and the Humane Society, ensuring that when survivors arrive with animals, they have access to seamless, compassionate care. From food and litter to leashes, crates, and veterinary services, we remove barriers that abuse often creates.
On January 1, 2024, our Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter officially reopened as fully pet friendly. In our first year offering limited pet accommodations, we sheltered just 7 cats and dogs.
For survivors, the impact is profound. As one pet parent shared: “She is always there for me. Someone to talk to and be with. She calms me down when I’m upset. I need her as much as she needs me.”
Another shared: “My dog has been my daily source of love and acceptance for years. Often, the only reason to wake up. No other shelters I called would allow my dog. I was seconds away from hitting the actual streets with him. Call Partners for Peace—they can help all of you.”
We proudly offer a shelter where every family member—human and animal—can find safety, healing, and a path forward. Survivors in our region no longer have to choose between escaping abuse and staying with the loyal companions who’ve helped them survive it.
“Thank you for all you’ve done for me! You have given me the insight I’ve needed and pointed me in the direction I need to better care for myself and my child!”
– A Survivor
Partners for Peace FY 2024 Governing Board
- Maria Cameron
Co-Chair - Denise Scuderi
Co-Chair - James Gehrke
Treasurer - Nicole Lawrence
Secretary - Peggy Day
Development Committee Chair - Courtney Evans
Governance Committee Chair - Jesse Higgins
Board Member - Joseph Locke
Board Member - Vanessa Madore
Board Member
Looking Forward
Our goal for the coming months and years is simple, yet vital: to ensure we will continue to be here for survivors today, tomorrow, and far into the future.
We will do this by diversifying our funding, strengthening community partnerships, and, most importantly, listening to the voices of survivors.
We are actively exploring strategies to stabilize and sustain our services in the face of uncertainty. Our focus remains on preserving our core programs: 24/7 helpline and advocacy, legal assistance—both criminal and civil, and emergency shelter and housing support.
These times call for us to come together as a community to confront the suffering experienced by so many. At the same time, we must hold tightly to the things that inspire us and give us hope.
We hope for a future without domestic violence. Getting there will require time, commitment, and collective shifts in how we view power, control, and accountability. It will also demand more humane systems that invest in prevention, intervention, and survivor-centered response.
It won’t be easy. The last 50 years haven’t been. And yet, we’re still here—still moving forward. We invite you to continue to be part of the solution to ending domestic violence in our communities.
Your Support Creates Safety, Healing, and Hope
As we look ahead, we know the need for our services will continue—and so will our commitment to meet it with compassion, care, and action. Your gift makes this work possible.
Please donate today to help sustain these life-saving programs.
Recurring donations are especially impactful, providing reliable support we can count on all year. When you join our Perennial Partner program, your gift recurs automatically at an amount and frequency that’s right for you.
Together, we can ensure that every survivor has access to the safety, advocacy, and support they deserve. Thank you for standing with us.
Thank you for making our work possible!
To everyone who has read this report, supported our mission, and stood with survivors—thank you.
Your belief in this work fuels every call we answer, every safety plan we create, every shelter bed we offer, and every act of healing and empowerment we make possible.
Whether you’ve donated, volunteered, partnered with us, or simply shared our message, you are part of a growing movement for safety, dignity, and justice in our communities. We are profoundly grateful for your compassion, commitment, and continued support.
Together, we create a future where every survivor is heard, believed, and supported.
Thank you for walking alongside us.
