Welcome to the Partnership

WHO WE ARE

We are a broad partnership working to increase access to quality direct care and support in Maine by changing the way we value workers, the work they do, and the people they support. We are working to create a resilient and empowered essential care and support workforce (often referred to as the direct care and support workforce) equipped to provide care and support services to older adults, those with behavioral health needs, and people with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, and/or dementia wherever services are needed. Members of the partnership include: employers of essential care & support workers, essential care & support workers, advocacy groups, and individuals receiving care and support and/or their friends and family.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Every person who needs care and support services in Maine is valued and able to receive consistent and predictable care and support from an empowered and respected worker who is trained to deliver quality services, regardless of the setting in which services are delivered.  A valued, well-trained, and appropriately compensated direct care and support workforce is essential to the health and well-being of Maine’s people and economy.

WHAT WE DO

We engage in advocacy, education, research, and coalition building to ensure sufficient investments in Maine’s “care economy” – both in terms of the workforce and the care infrastructure.  We collaborate on innovative solutions and initiatives to grow and more efficiently deploy a quality workforce, and promote care as a valuable and honorable profession.