Fedcap Maine Partners with Tandem Training and Motive Solutions to Empower Program Participants

South Portland, Maine – Fedcap Maine has partnered with Tandem Training and Motive Solutions LLC to provide specialized forklift and scissor lift training. This program equips participants with certifications and practical skills that directly enhance their employability in industries that need trained workers.

The recent session in South Portland welcomed nine participants who gained hands-on experience operating forklifts and scissor lifts. Motive Solutions, a trusted OSHA-certified training provider since 1999, led the training, delivering expert, real-world instruction. They also supplied equipment, ensuring a practical and engaging learning environment. With over 15,000 certifications issued across New England, Motive Solutions brought their deep expertise to this impactful program.

Paul Soracco, Owner of Motive Solutions, expressed the value of the collaboration:
“This partnership with Fedcap Maine has been incredibly rewarding. The participants were engaged and proud to earn their certifications, and many are already securing jobs because of this training. It’s clear how much impact this kind of program can have on people’s lives.”

The training aligns with Fedcap Maine’s broader goal of creating meaningful opportunities for individuals to thrive. By connecting participants to practical, industry-recognized certifications, the program helps participants build confidence, develop marketable skills, and access new career pathways.

Following the success of the South Portland session, Fedcap Maine is expanding the program to Lewiston. The next training is scheduled for Friday, November 22, 2024, giving even more individuals the chance to gain critical certifications and open doors to employment.

Serena M. Powell, Executive Director of Fedcap Maine, highlighted the organization’s vision:
“Our mission is to inspire people in Maine. Expanding this training to Lewiston reinforces our dedication to workforce development across the state. Collaborations like this are essential for helping individuals and families create brighter futures.”

Looking to partner with Fedcap Maine? Fill out the contact form on our website here: https://fedcapmaine.org/contact-us/

Empowering Families Through Life Skills Workshops at Fedcap Families

At Fedcap Families, we believe that success in the workplace starts with a strong foundation at home. To support our participants in achieving a balance between personal and professional lives, we offer life skills workshops designed to build resilience, enhance personal well-being, and develop practical skills for everyday challenges. These workshops cover a range of topics, including stress management, communication, parenting, nutrition, financial literacy, and more. The feedback from participants demonstrates how impactful these workshops have been in their lives.

What Participants Are Saying:

Learning Stress Management Techniques Participants consistently highlight the valuable lessons they have learned about stress management. One participant shared:

“I learned that stress can be managed, and it doesn’t matter how busy you are—there are always 5 or 10 minutes to take to breathe.”

Another participant echoed similar sentiments, expressing a deeper understanding of stress:

“I really thought it was interesting to understand the separation of stress and anxiety and how to manage each one. I also learned about the physical effects of stress—both chronic and acute. It was eye-opening to see how my body reacts to stress and how I can either pivot it towards motivation or realize I need a break.”

The Power of Lifelong Learning Participants also appreciated the emphasis on continuous learning, with one participant stating:

“I enjoyed listening to the discussion and have always thought that everyone should be lifelong learners.”

Self-Care and Mindfulness Several participants mentioned how the workshops helped them refocus on self-care and mindfulness:

“You’re a great teacher! I enjoyed learning from you! I have been forgetting to take a moment and be mindful. I forget to take time for self-care.”

Another participant highlighted the importance of mindfulness in their everyday life:

“I can ground myself by being mindful and more aware of how I’m feeling. Being able to remind myself that it’s ok to take a moment to settle myself.”

Building a Supportive Community One of the most apprciated aspects of the workshops has been the sense of community and sharing:

“My favorite part was the community sharing. To be in this program, we’re all going through some stuff, so it’s nice to be able to share without judgment or shame.”

Participants appreciated the opportunity to connect with others who face similar challenges:

“I particularly enjoyed getting to hear other people’s perspectives, and it made me feel more in control of my own situations.”

Practical Tools for Life Fedcap Families’ life skills workshops offer practical tools that participants can immediately implement into their daily routines. One participant shared:

“I’m really glad I got the chance to take these workshops because I will be walking away with better coping skills than I came in with and a different outlook on my own reactiveness to stress. Self-care and balance are something I often forget, but these workshops have helped me realize their importance.”

Another practical takeaway came from a video about managing lists:

“The most helpful thing I’m going to try to remember is actually from the homework video about keeping lists to 7 items or less, so you’re not immediately overwhelmed.”

About Fedcap Families’ Life Skills Workshops

At Fedcap Families, we understand that running a household can sometimes be just as demanding as a full-time job. That’s why we offer in-person and virtual classes to help make managing home life a little easier, while building the skills necessary for professional success.

Our life skills workshops cover a variety of topics, including:

Fedcap Families is committed to creating lasting change by empowering families with the life skills needed to build strong, healthy households. The testimonials from our participants demonstrate the profound impact these workshops have on individuals, their families, and ultimately, their communities.

Fedcap Veterans Joins Homeless Veteran Mobile Stand Down

Fedcap Veterans is partnering with local organizations to participate in the Homeless Veteran Mobile Stand Down, a series of events designed to provide essential services and support to homeless veterans across Maine. These events offer veterans a chance to connect with critical resources such as housing assistance, healthcare, employment services, and winter supplies, all in one location.

Fedcap Veterans team handing out essential supplies to homeless veterans

The Stand Down events are scheduled throughout October, with stops in several cities:

October 2, 2024 – Portland (Hannaford, 295 Forest Avenue)
October 9, 2024 – Lewiston
October 23, 2024 – Bangor
October 30, 2024 – Augusta

Each event runs from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and brings together a wide range of service providers, including the VA Maine Healthcare System, Veterans Benefits Administration, Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, and Fedcap Veterans, among others. These organizations will be on-site to help veterans with medical check-ups, benefits counseling, food, clothing, and access to housing and employment resources.

The Homeless Veteran Mobile Stand Down is part of a larger statewide effort to ensure that veterans in need are not left behind, especially as winter approaches. For many, this event offers a lifeline, providing immediate access to vital services.

“By bringing these resources directly to veterans, we’re helping them take the next step toward stability,” said Brian Cummings, Director of Veteran Services of Fedcap Veterans. “Our mission is to support veterans through all stages of life, and these Stand Down events are a key part of that effort.”

Fedcap Veterans encourages all homeless veterans in Maine to attend these events and take advantage of the services offered. Veterans can pre-register by calling the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services at 207-287-7019 or emailing HVC.MaineBVS@maine.gov.

This initiative reflects Fedcap Veterans’ commitment to empowering Maine veterans, helping them navigate challenges and build brighter futures.

WGME Coverage (Brian Cummings, Director of Veteran Services speaks at 2:50)

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