Support and Health for Our Hospitality Community

Hello, Hospitality Crew!

As the leaves begin to change and we embrace the vibrant colors of autumn, we're excited to bring you this month's newsletter filled with events, tips, and resources dedicated to supporting our hospitality community. Your continued support means the world to us, and together, we can make a difference.

1. NAMI: Maine Walk: Join us for the NAMI: Maine Walk on 9/28 in Augusta, Maine’s Capitol Park Plaza. This event is more than just a walk; it's a powerful show of solidarity for mental health awareness within the hospitality industry. Our goal is to raise $300 to support vital mental health resources and initiatives. We have happily reached our goal, but would love to continue to collect funds to support these important programs that benefit all of Maine’s hospitality workers and those struggling with mental health.

To donate to our team’s page, please visit this link here.

Every contribution helps us provide essential support and resources to those who need it most. Thank you to all for your support in our fundraising efforts! We are deeply and truly grateful and couldn’t make progress without you!

We invite you to walk with us, contribute to our fundraising efforts, or simply spread the word. Together, we can create a supportive community for all hospitality workers. We hope to see you there!

2. Upcoming Panel Discussion at the Maine Tourism Association's Workforce Summit: We're thrilled to announce our participation in the upcoming panel discussion at the Maine Tourism Association's Workforce Summit on October 23rd at the Thomas College campus. This discussion will focus on workplace mental health strategies specifically tailored for hospitality workers.

Panel Focus: Our panel will cover essential topics, including stress management, creating supportive work environments, and ways to support our industry workers. These discussions are crucial in paving the way for a healthier and more supportive hospitality industry.

Why It Matters: By attending, you'll gain valuable insights and tools to enhance mental well-being in your workplace. We encourage everyone involved in the hospitality sector to attend and engage in this important conversation.

To register for the summit, visit The Maine Tourism Associations' registration page here.

3. HospitalityMaine Summit: The HospitalityMaine Summit on October 28th & 29th at Sugarloaf Mountain. is just around the corner! This summit is a gathering of industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts committed to advancing the hospitality sector.

Your Involvement: Be there to share insights, connect with industry peers, and learn from the best. It's a fantastic opportunity to network, gain knowledge, and contribute to the future of hospitality in Maine.

Invitation: We invite you to join us at the summit, where you can engage with thought leaders and explore new opportunities for growth and collaboration. Tickets are available on the Hospitality Maine website here.

4. Cold and Flu Season Tips: As the colder months approach, it's crucial for hospitality workers to stay healthy and resilient. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate the cold and flu season:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your immune system strong.

• Get Vaccinated: Protect yourself and others by getting a flu shot.

  
  Greater Portland Health, a medical practice committed to providing patient care for the uninsured or a at low-cost, sliding scale basis, has several locations around Portland. Visit their website here to learn more.

  
  There are also many clinics and pharmacies around Maine and across the nation that provide flu vaccinations for either low-cost or no-cost with insurance. To find a place near you, visit Vaccines.Gov and search by your zipcode!

• Practice Good Hygiene: Regular hand washing and sanitizing can prevent the spread of germs. This is the best way to prevent the spread of cold and flu germs, especially in an industry where we come into contact with lots of people daily!

5. Supporting Local Agriculture: Embrace the season by visiting local farmers' markets and accessing fresh, healthy food. Supporting Maine's agriculture not only benefits your health but also strengthens our local economy.

• Farmer's Markets: Explore these vibrant markets for fresh produce and local specialties across Maine! Check out The Maine Farmer’s Market Federation’s list of markets here! 

• Support for Maine's Agriculture: By choosing local, you're helping to sustain our community and promote a healthy lifestyle.

• Check out the Bumper Crop Program: We're excited to highlight Maine's Bumper Crop program, a fantastic initiative aimed at supporting local farmers and providing fresh produce to our communities. This program offers a unique way for businesses to support their employees' access to fresh, local produce while strengthening community ties.

  Program Highlights:

  • Employee Benefits: Participating employers provide their employees with vouchers to spend at local farmers' markets, promoting healthy eating and supporting local agriculture.

  • Community Engagement: By participating, businesses help sustain local farmers and boost the local economy, creating a win-win situation for all involved.

  How to Participate: If you're an employer looking to enhance employee wellness and community engagement, consider joining the Bumper Crop Employee Partnership Program. It's a fantastic way to show support for your team and the local farming community.

  For more details on how to get involved, visit the Maine Bumper Crop Employee Partnership Program website.

6. Autumn Mental Health Tips for Seasonal Workers: Seasonal changes can bring unique challenges, especially for those in the hospitality industry. Here are some tips to maintain mental well-being during this time:

• Embrace the Change: Enjoy the beauty of autumn and find joy in seasonal activities.

• Maintain a Routine: Keeping a consistent schedule can help manage stress and anxiety.

• Stay Connected: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups to stay socially engaged.

Resources for Seasonal Workers: We're committed to supporting our seasonal workers. Here are some valuable resources available in Maine:

• Maine Mobile Health Program: Provides mobile medical, behavioral health, and nursing care to seasonal workers and their families. Learn more on their website.

• Maine CareerCenter: Offers job recruitment, training, and access to unemployment insurance. More information can be found on the Maine CareerCenter website.

• Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Resource Directory: Provides information on job recruitment, training, and other support services. Access the directory here.

• Live + Work in Maine: Offers resources and networking opportunities for those looking to relocate or stay in Maine. Visit their website for more details.

Thank you for taking the time to read through this month's newsletter. Your support and engagement are vital to our mission of fostering a supportive community for hospitality workers. We hope you find the information and resources helpful as we work together to support mental health and well-being in our industry.

Stay connected with us through our social media channels and website for the latest updates and events. Your involvement makes a difference! If you’d like to get involved with our organization, help find resources to help hospitality workers in your area, or are a business or organization looking to support industry workers, please email us at [email protected] We’d love to hear from you!

To all of our friends, followers, and supporters: We cannot thank you enough for your support. This movement has clearly resonated with a lot of people, and we as industry professionals and leaders recognize the need for support in all forms for our workers. As we continue to grow, we are constantly looking for feedback on what our workers and industry leaders need to not just survive, but thrive as we expand. If you know of any resources you think we should utilize, please let us know!

Until next time, gang: Stay safe, stay healthy, and remember that YOUR mental health matters!