Press Article: Maine Resiliency Center Seeks Funding for Continued Support After Lewiston Mass Shooting
AUGUSTA — Survivors of the 2023 Lewiston mass shooting, alongside mental health professionals, urged state lawmakers on Wednesday to secure vital funding for the Maine Resiliency Center (MRC) during a public hearing before the Health and Human Services Committee. The MRC, established to assist those affected by the tragedy, has already supported over 600 individuals but faces a funding crisis affecting its ongoing services.
Senator Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, presented a bill, LD 1425, calling for $3.4 million over the next two years to sustain and expand the center’s offerings. “The MRC fills significant gaps in our support systems,” she emphasized, highlighting its role in aiding individuals who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
Testimonies from survivors illustrated the emotional toll the shooting inflicted. Danielle Chabot, who witnessed the violence firsthand, expressed gratitude for the MRC’s support, noting it has helped her regain a semblance of normalcy. “Every single one of us still struggles,” she shared, underscoring the ongoing healing process.
The center provides unique, low-barrier mental health services, not requiring a professional diagnosis for individuals to receive help. Mental health professionals have noted that many survivors are only beginning to confront their trauma, emphasizing the critical need for continued support.
While federal funding through the U.S. Department of Justice is pending, the MRC has relied on temporary financing from the city of Lewiston. As lawmakers deliberate on the proposed funding, they face a tight fiscal environment, but the bill has garnered bipartisan support.
Governor Janet Mills expressed her admiration for the MRC’s efforts, although funding is not included in her proposed budget. As the hearing concluded, it was clear that the need for continued mental health support remains paramount for the affected community.
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