About Penquis
Incorporated in 1967, Penquis was created as a result of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to bring locally developed solutions to the multifaceted problems faced by the poor. Its mission is to assist individuals and families in preventing, reducing, or eliminating poverty in their lives and, through partnerships, to engage the community in addressing economic and social needs. Penquis primarily serves low- and moderate-income individuals in Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Knox Counties, though several programs extend well beyond these boundaries.
Penquis programs have been recognized for their quality and innovation. Awards include:
● Quality Award from Federal Head Start PRISM Review (2009) – to recognize Penquis Head Start’s quality programming
● Accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children for the Penquis Head Start/Child Care Centers at Eastern Maine Community College and Exeter (2009)
● United Way Community Builder Award (2008)
● Top three Best of the Best award in the preschool category, Penquis Head Start Center in Rockland, from Village Net Media (2008)
● United Way Community Builder Award (2007)
● Quality Award from Federal Head Start PRISM Review (2006)
● Quality Assurance Award from the Child Care Aware® program of the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) (2006)
● WELCOA Bronze Well Workplace Award (2006)
● Watch Your Mouth campaign award (2006)
● Accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (2004)
● Veazie Garden Club Community Improvement Award (2003)
● Agency of Distinction Award from WLBZ-tV (2002)
● Housing Development Award from MaineHousing (2002)
● Program of National Significance award from the Corporation for National Service (2001)
● Pioneer Award for Leadership in Entrepreneurial Promotion in Rural America from the National Association of Development Organizations (2001)
● Maine Roads to Quality Compass Award (2001)
● Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence (2000)
● Program of Excellence award from the Federal Regional Office of Head Start (2000)
The fifteen-member Board of Directors represents three distinct sectors of the communities we serve: one-third of the members represent low-income residents; one-third of the members are public officials or their representatives; and one-third of the members represent the private sector. Listed below is the name and town of residence of each member.
Governing Board of Directors
2009-2010
William Collins, Chair - Orrington
Tom Lizotte, Vice Chair - Dover-Foxcroft
W. Gregory Swett, Secretary - Bangor
Jeffers Ashley - Bangor
Betty Carolin - Dover-Foxcroft
Don Carroll - Stetson
Dawn Cook - Lincoln
Erin Hustus - Rockland
Sumner Kinney - Thomaston
Tabitha Larrabee - Exeter
Ann Matlack - Spruce Head
Allen Sockabasin - Brewer
Dan Tremble - Bangor
Geneva Wilbur - Parkman
Jack Williams - Camden
Penquis also has three County Steering Committees. One third of County Steering Committee members represent low-income residents of the counties; one-third of the members are public officials or their representatives; and one-third of the members represent the private sector.
Knox County Steering Committee
2009-2010
Erin Hustus - Rockland
Mary Kendall - Camden
Sumner Kinney - Thomaston
Ed Mazurek - Rockland
Connie Putnam - Rockport
Chris Shrum - Rockport
Jack Williams - Camden
Penobscot County Steering Committee
2009-2010
Jeffers Ashley - Bangor
Fred Brown - Bangor
Don Carroll - Stetson
William Collins - Orrington
Dawn Cook - Lincoln
Diana Hardy - Glenburn
Tabitha Larrabee - Exeter
Roger Lewis - Bangor
Dalton Mullis - Corinna
Richard Reinhart - Hampden
Donald Smotherman - Bangor
Allen Sockabasin - Brewer
Stephen Stanley - Medway
W. Gregory Swett - Bangor
Sandra Tardiff - Orono
Diane Tennies - Bangor
Alvin Theriault - Stacyville
Dan Tremble - Bangor
Piscataquis County Steering Committee
2009-2010
Julie Anderson - Monson
Deb Boyd - Dover-Foxcroft
Betty Carolin - Dover-Foxcroft
Dennis Green - Brownville
Leslie Lizotte - Dover-Foxcroft
Tom Lizotte - Dover-Foxcroft
Lisa Snide - Orneville
Geneva Wilbur - Parkman
