FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Hello everyone, and welcome to our spring newsletter! Signs of spring are here, even with an occasional sleet event!
We are winding down this legislative season, although there is still time for advocacy on the two bills we had last year and are still awaiting funding and if not this session they will die. Please see Kerri’s update for more information. We are busy getting everything ready for the HOPE conference. Registration is open NOW for this year’s HOPE conference on May 13th at the Augusta Civic Center, so consider yourself notified and we can’t wait to see everyone! We just launched our two part series on the history of psychiatric institutionalizations in Maine so look below to see more details on the important conversations that will be had around our history. The podcasts are also done in conjunction with our blog posts of which one is already posted so please check that out as well.
We continue talking about important issues in local councils and other places to inform the advocacy we do on behalf of those with mental health lived experiences in Maine. I know I say this often, but it is so very true and that is we are only as good as the feedback we get from your stories and experiences to make change. We cannot tackle everything, but we do try to see what has the potential for impact and move it forward and we cannot do it without your voices in whatever way works for you! Also, if you need a cool t-shirt, phone case or hat please go to our website and shop the CCSM merchandise that will be shipped straight to you!
I am most proud of the work we all do board, staff, local members and allies day in and day out to make the world a better place and if you don’t know how much we appreciate you all let me say it here!
Take care of yourself and enjoy this glorious spring unfolding!
Office Update
SPRING is Here, right?
At the office we are saying Yes! As we are
setting up the outside workspace,
seeing all the birds returning to the feeders and planning
a staff trip to Longfellow’s Greenhouse!
Important Reminder
Our office location 219 Capitol Street Suite 7 Augusta Maine is only open by appointment; Staff are working remotely.
We can be reached by phone or email during normal business hours 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
All contact information can be found on our website https://maineccsm.org/about-us/contact/
We have a few office items that we are hoping to re-home please give us a call if you are interested.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Legislative and Issues Updates
Our two bills from last session (LD 748- An Act to Increase Bridging Rental Assistance Program Housing Voucher Funding to Reduce the Current Partial Waiting List and Increase Housing Vouchers for Persons Living with Mental Health Challenges and LD 1843- An Act to Provide Peer Respite for Individuals with Mental Health Care Needs) are still on the appropriations table.
LD 748 aims to enhance housing support for individuals facing mental health challenges by increasing funding for the Bridging Rental Assistance Program (BRAP). Funding for BRAP is so important right now when the program is still closed to new applicants!
LD 1843 would establish one Peer Respite center in Maine. Peer respite is a voluntary, short-term, overnight program that provides community-based, non-clinical crisis support to help people find new understanding and ways to move forward. It operates 24 hours per day in a homelike environment. This resource would give peers another accessible, peer-led, option for community-based care!
We can help get you in touch with Appropriations members so that your voice can be heard on the importance of funding these bills!
Reminder that our Legislative Subcommittee meets every 1st Wednesday of each month from 10AM-12PM.
Local Council Meetings
Hybrid Meetings Always Available
Currently, the Augusta, Bangor, Farmington, and Greater Lewiston and Auburn Area local council meetings can be attended both in person and virtually via Zoom.
For a list of current local council meetings with detailed information, click the button below….
UPCOMING EVENT
HOPE Conference
DATE: May 13, 2026
TIME: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
LOCATION: Augusta Civic Center
ISSUE STATEMENT UPDATE
Our most recent Issue Statements is relating to emotional support animals. This subcommittee will be drafting a new issue statement in April. Please check our website for more information!
Emotional Support Animal Issue Statement
Issue:
The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) in our statutory role to advise OBH and other entities is writing this statement to highlight an area of collaboration needed to address an important issue. The Council has received a number of reports from community members stating they are being denied permanent supported housing, charged illegal fees, or otherwise discriminated against because they rely on an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), also known as Assistance Animals, as part of their mental health recovery. Despite clear protections under the Maine Human Rights Act and federal Fair Housing Act, individuals with ESAs continue to face barriers that compromise their stability and access to housing. Due to sub regulation changes by HUD on September 17th, 2025, which reduces clarity on this issue, it is even more critical to provide education to landlords and tenants regarding ESAs.
Reminder that our Issues Subcommittee meets every 2nd Wednesday of each month from 10AM-12PM.
For any questions, feedback, or information needed regarding our Legislative and Issues Subcommittees, please reach out to Kerri Pitts: kpitts@maineccsm.org / 207-707-2435
Would you like to share your thoughts on this subject? Do you or someone you know have a personal story to share that relates to this issue statement?
Please submit feedback/comments and/or personal stories to: info@maineccsm.org
or send through the mail to:
CCSM
Issue Statement Comments
219 Capitol Street, Suite #7
Augusta, Maine 04330
OUTREACH UPDATE
As the seasons transition, the CCSM Outreach team is moving full steam ahead! This spring has been a season of powerful presence, deep history, and community connection.
In February, we held our annual Peer Legislative Education Day at the Maine State House. Standing together in the Hall of Flags, we made sure the peer voice was front and center for our legislators. It was an empowering day of education and connection, reminding those in power that “Nothing About Us, Without Us” is more than a slogan, it is a necessity for a healthy Maine.
In March, we were honored to attend the Brain Injury Association’s Resource Fair in Augusta. Collaborating with our partners in the disability community allows us to broaden our impact and ensure that peer support resources are accessible to everyone who needs them.
Our commitment to sharing peer history continues to grow. We recently released two new episodes of our podcast, Our Voice of ME, specifically centered on the history of institutionalization in Maine. This deep dive into our past is essential for understanding the systemic hurdles we continue to dismantle today.
Hopeful Horizons blog series is covering the same vital topics in print form. Keep an eye on our website, as new articles in this series will be released soon!
Our Local Councils remain the heartbeat of CCSM. In our recent monthly meetings, we have dove into critical forum topics, such as Aging and Seniors, addressing the unique mental health needs of our older community members. Rural Access to services, discussing the specific barriers to support in Maine’s rural areas and how we can bridge those gaps.
Our online merch store is growing! We’ve added several new items so you can wear your advocacy on your sleeve (literally).
Looking ahead, we have some incredible projects on the horizon that we can’t wait to share with you. The Button Club! Will be a new way to collect our popular handmade advocacy pins.
Sponsor a Rock N’ Talk! CCSM has created a way to bring the fun right to your community! New ways to work together to share our voices.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Whether at a council meeting, a legislative hearing, or online, your voice is what makes this movement possible.
For more information about any of our meetings including how you can help start or attend a local council in your area, please contact our Outreach Coordinator team
Brittany Lorance:
Work Cell: (207) 687-6035
Blorance@maineccsm.org
Sarah Savage-Bellavance:
Work Cell: (207) 446-3249
Ssavage-bellavance@maineccsm.org
