Monday's Events in Maine

We at The Telling Room are still processing Monday’s events in Biddeford and experiencing the reverberations of the violence, both as individuals and as a community. A wide spectrum of emotions are present as we navigate our days, taking care of ourselves and one another. 

The youth we serve—those who have been through our doors in the past or who are currently here for summer camp—are processing these events and emotions in different ways. We know from the many difficult moments in these turbulent times that routine is beneficial to youth, that the opportunities to play and write are a way to both process what’s happening in this world and also a welcome invitation to step into another through their imaginations. 

Just as ICE’s presence in Maine did not end after the surge in activity earlier this year, neither has our dedication to doing this work. What happened to the families, neighbors, and friends in Biddeford and beyond will not resolve neatly, but has created a deep wound. 

Yet we are reminded of the power of youth voices and stories, and what is possible when communities are united together, listening to and uplifting each other.

Our team is dedicated to continuing to provide this space for youth, and we also want to share some community resources below that may be helpful to you and yours in the days and weeks ahead. 

If you have questions or would like to share with us how best to offer support to the youth in your life, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

Yours In Solidarity,
The Telling Room
writers@tellingroom.org 
(207) 774-6064

If You Encounter ICE

  • If you see ICE, call the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition’s ICE Watch Hotline at: 207-544-9989

Remember SALUTE:

Size: How many agents/vehicles?
Activity: What are they doing?
Location: Where is it happening?
Unit: What agency? (ICE, CBP, FBI, etc.)
Time: When did you see this?
Equipment: Vehicle description, clothing, badges

Mental Health Resources

24 Hour Crisis Resources

  • If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

  • Call or text 988: This suicide and behavioral health crisis hotline is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week by trained crisis specialists offering free, confidential support for anyone. Specialists also can respond by chat at 988lifeline.org. Information for the deaf and hard of hearing is available here.

  • Call or text 1-888-568-1112: The Maine Crisis Line: is the state’s crisis telephone response service for individuals or families experiencing a behavioral health crisis or having thoughts of suicide and/or self-harm.

  • Call 1-800-985-5990: The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is a free, multilingual national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. 

  • LGBTQ+ youth can call 1-866-488-7386 or text 678678, or visit trevorproject.org to speak, text, or chat with a Trevor Project Counselor. 

  • Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor through the Crisis Text Line.

  • If you’re unsure, contact 211. It provides general information, including how to access behavioral health and social service resources, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Information can also be found at 211maine.org.

Additional Support Resources:

  • Teens and young adults can text (207) 515-8398: The National Alliance on Mental Illness Teen Text Line connects youth with other youth to help them manage their challenges every day from 12pm - 10pm.

  • Clinicians, educators and first responders can call 1-800-769-9819: The FrontLine WarmLine offers free support services to help these professionals manage the stress of responding to disasters from 8am - 8pm, seven days a week.

  • Call (207) 221-8198 for help coping with stress: The StrengthenME Helpline offers free stress management and resiliency resources to anyone in Maine experiencing stress reactions from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. StrengthenME can help people develop coping strategies before emotional challenges escalate into more serious mental health problems.

  • Call 866-771-9276 to speak with staff with lived experience with mental health conditions: The Intentional Peer Support Warmline serves adults, aged 18 and older, offering conversations with a trained peer specialist to encourage and foster recovery, move toward wellness and reconnect with community.

For kids, families and caregivers:

Community Resources

ACLU of Maine - Advocacy and legal support
Capitol Area New Mainers Project - A cross-cultural organization that welcomes refugees and works to build a thriving, integrated community in central Maine
Community Relief Fund - Mutual aid fund for legal fee support for those detained by ICE
Gather to Grow - Offering grocery drop offs for those sheltering in place
Hope Acts - Offers asylum seekers access to housing and basic needs, assistance in navigating complex immigration processes, and resources for learning English
Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) - Advocacy and legal support
Khmer Maine - A nonpartisan, community organization working to improve the quality of life and the social and economic well-being of Cambodians in Maine
The Locker Project - Connects food-insecure children in Maine with nourishing food
Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition (MIRC) - Hub of advocacy and support 
Maine Law, Refugee and Human Rights Clinic (RHRC) - Legal support
Mainers for Humane Immigration - Mutual aid organization with bond fund for those detained by ICE
Maine Needs - Collecting and delivering donations of household goods to those who are sheltering in place in their homes
Maine Association of New Americans (MANA) - Offering transportation, grocery drop-offs, and will go to appointments with anyone feeling anxious
Presente!Maine - A grassroots, mutual aid organization by and for displaced and dispossessed Afro/Indigenous-Latines in Maine
Project Relief Maine - Mutual aid organization providing funding for legal fee support, food, and other basic needs
The Solidarity Fund - Provides funding for legal fees, basic needs, and healthcare for impacted parties who live in Maine
Unified Asian Communities - Dedicated to serving our neighbors through community service and cultural support
Wabanaki Alliance - Advocates for legislation and policies that improve the lives of Wabanaki citizens and our neighbors around the state
Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness -Serves all Wabanaki people and other indigenous people who visit or call Maine home

Share Your Voice

Reach out to Maine's Congressional delegation to let them know your thoughts on ICE's presence in our community:

  •  Call Senator Angus King's office: (202) 224-5344

  •  Call Senator Susan Collins's office: (202) 224-2523

  •  Call Representative Chellie Pingree's office: (202) 225-6116

  •  Call Representative Jared Golden's office: (202) 225-6306

The Telling Room