About MEJP

Our Mission
Our Roots
Where We’re Located
Staff
Board of Directors

2009 Annual Report (this is a large .pdf file; may be slow to download)

2008 Docket Report (summary of our work in 2008; .pdf document)

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Our Mission

The mission of Maine Equal Justice Partners (MEJP) is to find solutions to poverty and improve the lives of people with low income in Maine. We accomplish our mission through:

• Public policy advocacy in the legislature and with governmental agencies
• Legal representation and impact litigation on systemic issues
• Statewide outreach and training on issues affecting people with low income and the supports that can help them prevent or move out of poverty

MEJP focuses its work on the issues that affect people’s daily lives – access to adequate health care, food and income security, supports for working families, and higher education and training opportunities.

MEJP’s advocacy is on behalf of and informed by individuals with low income, including our primary client – the Maine Association of Interdependent Neighborhoods (MAIN). MAIN is a statewide coalition of low-income individuals and groups, formed in 1980 for the purpose of creating a network of people and organizations that seek economic and social justice for Maine’s low-income families.

Our Roots

In 1996, Congress passed legislation that prohibited Legal Services Corporation grantees, such as Pine Tree Legal Assistance, from representing low-income people in the Legislature, before administrative agencies, and in significant class action litigation. Thanks to the vision and support of Maine’s legal community, including the Judiciary, the Bar, and legal service providers, Maine Equal Justice was formed to continue these vital advocacy and litigation services. Since its inception Maine Equal Justice has developed expertise and experience in representing the interests of people with low income in Maine. Our highly qualified staff has extensive knowledge of federal and state law and policy, and the issues facing individuals and families who are struggling to move out of poverty. MEJP takes pride in its leadership role and commitment to improving the lives of Maine people with low income.

Do you want to help us to continue this work?

Make a donation or get involved.

Where We’re Located

The office of Maine Equal Justice Partners is located at 126 Sewall Street in Augusta, across the street from the State Office Building and Capitol Building.  Our mailing address is 126 Sewall St., Augusta, ME 04330.  Get map and directions to our office.

Staff     Contact Us

Sara Gagné Holmes, Executive Director
Crystal Bond, Paralegal/Organizer
Jack Comart, Litigation Director
Deborah Curtis, Associate Director
Christine B. Hastedt, Public Policy Director
Ana Hicks, Senior Policy Analyst
Robyn Merrill, Policy Analyst
Chris Rusnov, MAIN Liaison
Jennifer Sanborn, Administrative Assistant

2009 Board Members

Kathy Moore, President Waterville, ME [Term expires January 1, 2010] Charles Dingman, Esq., Vice President Preti Flaherty Beliveau Pachios & Haley Augusta, Maine [Term expires January 1, 2012] Jerrol A. Crouter, Esq., Treasurer Drummond, Woodsum & MacMahon Portland, Maine [Term expires January 1, 2011] Beverly Baker Director Family Support Program Maine Parent Federation Augusta, Maine [Term expires January 1, 2012] Jan Gorton, MD Appleton, Maine [Term expires January 1, 2011] Rachel Lowe Auburn, Maine [Term expires January 1, 2010] John McCall Pastor First Congregational Church South Portland, Maine [Term expires January 1, 2011]

Rachael Newman Southern Kennebec Child Development Augusta, Maine [Term expires January 1, 2010] John Pelletier, Esq. Administrative Office of the Courts Augusta, Maine [Term expires January 1, 2011] Debra Reece, Esq. Rudman & Winchell Bangor, Maine [Term expires January 1, 2012] Tammy Trask South China, Maine [Term expires January 1, 2010] Sharon Treat, Esq. Executive Director National Legislative Association on Prescription Drug Prices Hallowell, Maine [Term expires January 1, 2012]

organization names given for identification purposes only

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Maine Equal Justice is a proud member of MaineShare. MaineShare raises awareness of and resources for MEJP and more than 30 other Maine-based non-profits that are all working for positive social change in Maine. Support MEJP through your annual MaineShare workplace giving campaign or help establish one if none currently exists. To find out more, visit www.maineshare.org.

Updated July 2009