Success Stories
Find Stories
Use the filters below to find additional stories about how our programs have helped rural communities across the nation.
Search Results: 35 Stories
REAP at the Junction of Farming and Clean Energy
When Eileen Flanagan and John Cochrane moved to Vassalboro, Maine and founded their farm, Junction Garden LLC, they knew they had a lot to learn about diversified agriculture in Maine. As they developed their market farm and growing business, one goal stood out: “We were very… [Read More]
Maine
Maine Retiree Turns to Rural Development for Help Recovering from Flash Flood
After a dozen years in her Franklin County home, lifelong Mainer Lucille thought she knew what to expect during bad weather. Therefore, when torrential rains struck Western Maine on June 29, 2023, she wasn’t particularly alarmed at first. Her home is located partway up a hill… [Read More]
Maine
Eight-bell Turns a Thing of the Past for the Corinna Fire Department
The Corinna Fire Department groundbreaking ceremony July 31, 2023 (from left to right: Shawn Richards, Jeff Dorman, Allen Emerson, T.J. Emerson, John Bridges and Shawn Henderson).
Less than one year after breaking ground on a new fire… [Read More]
Maine
Bringing Free Arts Education to More Maine High School Students
Established in 2016, Maine Arts Academy (MeAA) initially operated out of rented space at the Snow Pond Arts Center in Sidney, Maine. Originally conceived of by John Wiggin of the New England Music Camp, in its early years the new public charter school and the music camp were co-… [Read More]
Maine
Reaping Savings, Employee Retention, and a Better Workplace Culture with REAP TAG
Transitioning to renewable energy or committing to significant energy efficiency improvements requires major investments of time and capital for a business. It helps to have a trusted advisor to navigate the process. In October 2023, USDA Rural Development in Maine announced… [Read More]
Maine
Building Community Strength Ten Rural Towns at a Time: GrowSmart Maine Brings Local Leaders to the Table
Rural communities across Maine may share many of the same goals, but collaboration can be difficult when they are separated by great distance and challenging roads. What’s more, small towns often have lean staffs, making it especially hard to make time for strategic planning. (… [Read More]
Maine
Impact Beyond Measure: Maine Nonprofit Builds Climate Resilience and the Leaders of Tomorrow with RCDI Grant from USDA
Where can residents of small coastal and island communities in Maine turn for help with critical, labor-intensive projects? Residents of the Mount Desert Island town of Tremont recently worked with Island Institute Fellow Brianna… [Read More]
Maine
Maine Farm Uses REAP to Help Diversify Farm and Serve a Heritage Industry
Elizabeth Goundie and Josh Emerman are the co-founders of Moorit Hill Farm and Fiber in Troy, Maine. They came to Central Maine by a circuitous route, purchasing the property in 2017. Just seven years later, the young farmers are not only tending more than 70 sheep but also… [Read More]
Maine
Beginning Farmers Use REAP Grant to Make Their Christmas Tree Farm Greener
Molly Livingston and Jesse Jimerson were living in Northern Nevada while looking for an opportunity to get into farming. When they heard that Piper Mountain Christmas Tree Farm in Newburgh, Maine was for sale, they were interested.The farm had been in business since 1978 and… [Read More]
Maine
Nurturing Dreams and Livelihoods: Local Partner in Northern Maine Makes USDA Financing Easy to Access
After a long career in software development, Marci Wilde was ready for a change of vocation. Being a recreation enthusiast herself, she knew how much folks love to enjoy the trails, woods, and lakes year-round, especially up north. So, she packed up and moved to rural Cross Lake… [Read More]
Maine