The Kennebunk Savings’ Spotlight Fund is making a $150,000 donation to First County Foundation and their new Recovery Center currently under construction in Alfred, ME. The center will provide 24/7 compassionate, individualized care in a safe, supportive environment for adults in York County with substance use disorder. With a focus on trauma-informed care, the center will foster holistic healing with a focus on supporting lasting wellness and ongoing aftercare support.
“This project is an unprecedented and transformative step forward,” said Liz Torrance, Social Responsibility Director at Kennebunk Savings. “York County has faced a significant gap in services to support recovery. This new center will address this gap with a full continuum of care, ensuring individuals can get timely support when they’re ready for it. We’re grateful for the thoughtful, comprehensive approach taken in developing the Recovery Center and we’re very proud to be supporting it.”
The grant comes as the Bank celebrates the 10th year of their Spotlight Fund. Created in 2016 to shine a light on critical issues affecting our community, the Spotlight Fund dedicates a portion of Kennebunk Savings’ earnings to proactively support organizations and programs working to alleviate key community issues. The Spotlight Fund focuses efforts on early childhood education, substance use disorder prevention and recovery, and addressing food insecurity. The Fund has donated more than $1,000,000 to over 50 unique local organizations.
“It is part of our role and responsibility as a true community bank to support a wide array of local nonprofits, events and initiatives,” Torrance said. “Everything from land trusts to libraries to little leagues. But we know we can do more and go further with our giving. For ten years now, we’ve actively worked to identify and seek out ways in which our support can create lasting, positive change in our communities.”
Advocacy and support from Kennebunk Savings for the recovery community has been particularly notable. In addition to proactive giving, the Bank convened advocates and business leaders for a summit in 2019. They became a certified Recovery Friendly Workplace in NH, and then worked with the State of Maine to support the creation of a similar initiative. They utilize their social media reach to spread awareness and reduce stigma, and have marshalled their branch network to distribute free Deterra bags, helping to safely dispose of unused medication. They’ve presented frequently at conferences for socially responsible businesses, HR professionals, and recovery advocates to inspire others to act. This has led to several accolades including the 2025 Cornerstone Award from NH Businesses for Social Responsibility. Now-retired President & CEO Bradford C. Paige was also awarded the Lighting the Way Award from Hope on Haven Hill in 2024.
