PORTLAND — The John T. Gorman Foundation has awarded $700,000 to 43 nonprofits throughout Maine that are working to support vulnerable Mainers.

One award went to Lake Region Senior Service (Bridgton) for $10,000 to support a volunteer-based transportation service providing rides to medical appointments for individuals without other transportation options. 

Awarded through the Foundation’s annual Direct Services Grant Program, the grants will help address basic needs, such as food security, housing, and access to health care. 

“The challenges facing our most disadvantaged neighbors have not gone away during the coronavirus pandemic; in fact, they have worsened, and many more people are now in need,” said John T. Gorman Foundation Program Associate Lauralee Raymond, who manages the program. “The Foundation is privileged to support the efforts of our nonprofit partners to meet the rising demand for assistance. We know these funds will be used quickly and effectively to help Mainers during this very difficult time.”

In addition to this Direct Service Grant round – which primarily focuses on the needs of children, youth, and families – the Foundation awarded $400,000 in grants earlier this year targeted specifically toward meeting the direct service needs of seniors. Funding is being used by 17 organizations across the state to provide seniors with food assistance, transportation, home repair and companionship. 

About the John T. Gorman Foundation 

John T. Gorman, known as Tom, was a grandson of L.L. Bean and established the Foundation in 1995 to help disadvantaged Mainers. In recent years, the independent, statewide Foundation has moved to focus strategically on four key areas: improving educational achievement for children; promoting successful transitions to adulthood for vulnerable older youth; helping struggling parents to support their families and enabling low-income seniors to remain in their homes as long as possible.