Like you, we at the John T. Gorman Foundation are heartbroken by the senseless acts of gun violence that occurred last week in Lewiston. Over the last few days, our thoughts have been with the victims, their loved ones and the Lewiston community.

We have a longstanding commitment to the City of Lewiston and will be steadfast in supporting its residents through this very difficult time. We have reached out to our many partners on the ground in Lewiston to inquire about their needs and offer support. We have also spoken with others in the philanthropic community to coordinate our collective response and have carefully considered how we can best have an impact – both in the short- and long-term.

Here are some immediate steps we are taking:

• We have joined with other funders across Maine to offer support. At this moment, it is critical that we are unified, coordinated, and collaborative in our response so that resources can quickly and effectively get to where they are needed.
• The John T. Gorman Foundation will contribute $250,000 to the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund to support the victims and their families affected by Wednesday’s mass shooting and $25,000 to the United Way of Androscoggin County to support immediate needs.
• We will continue to work with our partners in the Lewiston community to respond to needs as they arise.

Finally, for those who are looking to contribute to these efforts as well, we encourage you to direct funds to:

• Maine Community Foundation’s Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund, which will collect and allocate donations to support victims and their families, as well as organizational efforts that will help heal the city.
• United Way of Androscoggin County’s Community Fund, which will provide mental health support to community members and organizations working in response to this tragedy.

Throughout its history, Lewiston and its residents have proven to be resilient and strong in the face of adversity.  We know that with care, compassion and our collective support, this tragedy will not define its people or its future.

Thank you,

Nicole Witherbee
President & CEO
John T. Gorman Foundation