Courtesy / Aroostook County Action Program
A new five-year assessment identifies numerous needs in Aroostook County.
Updated: July 6, 2022
Labor, child care among pressing needs in Aroostook County’s new assessment
PHOTO / FRED FIELD
Reliable public transportation is one of the challenges facing residents and employers in Aroostook County.
By Staff
Shortages of labor, child care, housing and public transportation are among the pressing needs for development in Aroostook County, according to a new region-wide assessment.
The report by the Aroostook County Action Program’s board of directors says the challenges are all intertwined.
The goals of ACAP’s 2022-27 strategic plan are to strengthen employment opportunities and practices; increase access to affordable, quality child care, safe and affordable housing, and transportation; and enhance holistic person-centered health care region-wide, according to a news release.
“The challenges must be addressed collectively, and through the collaborative efforts of numerous stakeholders, if we are to ensure the people of our region, especially the most vulnerable low- and moderate income individuals and families, can achieve and maintain economic and overall stability and forge a pathway to success,” ACAP Executive Director and CEO Jason Parent said in the release.
“The very economic livelihood and future of our region depends on multi-faceted and bold engagement by our agency and other stakeholders.”
The plan was approved late last month. For next steps, members of the ACAP management team will begin planning action steps.
ACAP’s board and staff said the areas identified through the assessment were exacerbated by global, national, state and local challenges of the pandemic, as well as geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
The challenges, ACAP said, have impacted the ability of employers to maintain and grow their businesses and organizations and the ability of working-age individuals to access employment opportunities, education and training.
Quality, affordable and accessible child care, affordable housing, access to transportation, and services for health and well-being are also critical, they said.
Expanded and improved access to resources is also critical for older residents and individuals living with disabilities, they added.
PHOTO / FRED FIELD
Jamie Chandler and Jason Parent
“We partner with the families and individuals we serve, and the collaborating organizations joining in our efforts and ready to mobilize our community and its people,” said ACAP Chief Operating Officer Jamie Chandler.
“It is through these cross-sector partnerships and shared initiatives that the measurable goals outlined in this strategic plan, and many and varied other benchmarks of success held by individuals, families, organizations and our community, will be attained.”
Click here to view the assessment.
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