Portland, Maine, October 1, 2024–ProsperityME is pleased to announce the awardees for our annual community Block Party, celebrating the contributions of our partner organizations, volunteers, and community leaders. This year’s block party theme, “Stability Starts with Housing,” focuses on the need to develop affordable housing for immigrant families and asylum seekers arriving in Maine. Every year, ProsperityME recognizes the outstanding commitment of individuals and institutions that contribute to the financial stability of new Mainers.

The three awardees for this year’s Block Party are:

The Commitment to Service Award goes to an organization or individual that has demonstrated a commitment to serve our community in tough or good moments. This award goes to Representative Deqa Dhalac for her commitment to serve her peers and the immigrant community by sponsoring legislation to establish the Office of New American. Deqa is a great advocate for New Mainers issues at the local level, state level, and through her own organization, Cross Cultural Community Services. Representative Deqa Dhalac serves in the Maine House of Representatives, where she represents South Portland. She sponsored legislation to create the first Office of New Americans (ONA) in the State of Maine. She is a member of the State and Local Government Committee and has served on the Town Council of South Portland.

The Outstanding Community Partner Award goes to a business or community organization that partners with ProsperityME to serve our client community. This award goes to The Genesis Fund for their outstanding partnership supporting our housing development initiative and small business support. Genesis offers flexible loans and expert project guidance to transform visionary ideas into tangible assets, such as real estate to create affordable housing. Genesis promotes economic opportunity in communities that face significant barriers to prosperity. More than ever in its 32-year history, Genesis is working closely with immigrants and diverse leaders dedicated to strengthening their communities. This award also recognizes the leadership of Executive Director Liza Fleming-Ives, who is a leader in community development and housing stability. Her strategic vision and relationships with financial investors, developers, and community partners is a catalyst for The Genesis Fund’s achievements.

The Volunteer of the Year Award goes to an individual who has dedicated their time and talent to serving immigrants and refugees at ProsperityME. This year’s award goes to Helen Andreoli, the Chief Financial Officer and Founding Partner of Great Diamond Partners who served on the board of directors at ProsperityME for eight years. She served in different roles over the years, including board chair, vice chair, and chaired several committees. Even after stepping down from the board, she continues to volunteer for the organization in her capacity at Great Diamond Partners.

Media Contact: Ellen McFarland, 207-797-7890

Event: ProsperityME 16th Annual Community Block Party

Location: University of New England Portland campus, Innovation Hall, 772 Stephens Ave., Portland

When: October 10, 2024. Registration and networking start at 4:30 pm; event program starts at 5:30 pm.

Tickets: Tickets are on sale for $75 and can be purchased online at www.prosperityme.org.

About ProsperityME: ProsperityME empowers refugee and immigrant communities to invest in themselves so they can build financial stability, careers, businesses, and wealth. We provide financial education and counseling to improve their quality of life.

Website: www.prosperityme.org