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Elise M. Baldacci
As June arrives, so does one of the most meaningful and energizing times of the year for Maine’s credit union movement. Next week, many of us will gather for Elevate 2026, the League’s Annual Meeting and Convention. My team and I have been working hard to create an event that offers valuable opportunities to connect, learn, and be inspired. Whether you are connecting with your peers, engaging with partners like the League and Synergent, or exploring new ideas and strategies, Elevate is designed to help prepare Maine credit unions for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
While Convention is an important highlight of the month, June also brings attention to causes that align closely with our mission and values.
June is National Hunger Awareness Month, and it serves as a powerful reminder that many of our neighbors continue to face food insecurity. Maine’s hunger challenge is growing. In just two years, 50,000 more Mainers, including 14,000 children, are facing uncertainty about where their next meal will come from. Food pantries and community partners across the state are experiencing significant increases in demand, with some reporting up to a 16% increase in households seeking assistance each month.
As summer approaches, the need becomes even more pressing for many families. Local schools and community organizations are turning to our friends at Full Plates Full Potential for support in helping keep children fed while school meal programs are unavailable. It is another reminder that hunger is not a seasonal issue, but one that requires year-round attention and action.
For decades, Maine’s credit unions have shown what is possible when we work together through the Campaign for Ending Hunger. The generosity of credit unions, employees, volunteers, and members continues to make a meaningful difference in communities across our state. As we recognize Hunger Awareness Month, let us remember that every contribution helps strengthen food security for Maine families. With demand continuing to grow, our commitment remains as important as ever!
Meeting the needs of our communities extends beyond addressing food insecurity. It also means helping protect some of our most vulnerable neighbors.
June is also Elder Abuse Awareness Month, providing another opportunity for credit unions to serve as trusted resources for members and their families. Financial exploitation remains one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse among older adults, and credit unions are often in a unique position to identify warning signs and help protect vulnerable individuals. Through the new Elder Financial Exploitation Prevention Toolkit developed through collaboration among credit union leagues, credit unions have access to practical resources that can help educate staff, members, and communities about prevention and intervention. Raising awareness and sharing these tools can make a real difference in protecting older adults from financial harm.
This month will highlight the very best of our credit union movement and the power of People Helping People in action. It is a reminder that our greatest impact comes when we work together.
I look forward to connecting with many of you at Elevate 2026. Thank you for the important work you do every day at your credit union and alongside your colleagues across Maine. Together, we are making a difference!