River Coalition moving to new home in Old Town

OLD TOWN – The River Coalition is moving its office to the Herbert Sargent Community Center in an attempt to save operating dollars and keep the organization’s doors open.

The nonprofit serves the Penobscot River communities of Alton, Bradley, Greenbush, Milford and Old Town, and it collaborates with the Penobscot Nation to help serve the Indian Island community.

The coalition aids numerous after-school, mentoring and summer programs for children and families in the area.

Last month, former coalition Director Michael Crooker explained that without help funding operating costs, the organization would have to close its doors.

The move from Main Street to the city’s community center on Bennoch Road is part of the organization’s plans to keep providing for the river communities.

“This is a partnership with the city of Old Town,” interim coalition Director Micah Robbins said Wednesday. “They’ve been a very supportive partner through this transition.”

The city is giving the office space in the community center to the coalition as an in-kind donation.

The coalition still is working with its community partners to secure funding.

“We have secured funding to make us viable for the next few months, but we still need the support of the community,” Robbins said.

The purpose of the move is multifaceted, he explained. Not only will the coalition be saving money by not having to pay rent, but it also will allow the coalition to have a fresh start.

“Part of our goal with moving there is to almost have a reintroduction to the community of the services we provide, the partnerships that we make, and the presence we have in all the communities,” Robbins said.