Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1546245
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z A U G U S T 2 4 , 2 0 2 6 F O C U S G R E AT E R B A N G O R / N O R T H E R N M A I N E and expanded services to the com- munity," says Diane Dickerson, the Bangor Y's CEO. e project was funded through the Y's capital campaign, which raised over $55.7 million; city, county and federal grants; donations and grants from private individuals, corporations and foundations; and federal and state new- market tax credits allocations. e project team includes A/Z Corp., a Cianbro company, and SMRT Architects & Engineers. On track to open late fall 2027, "construction is going incredibly well," says Dickerson. "We're on target, on budget. I cannot say enough great things about A/Z Corp. In my opin- ion, we could not be doing what we are doing without them." e layout includes a teen room and a science, technology, engineering, arts, and math makerspace, offering at-risk young adults academic support, mental health services, clinical counseling, service-learning opportunities and col- lege and career readiness support. ere will be swimming pools, a bas- ketball court, fitness center, community kitchen and food pantry, community rooms, playgrounds and outdoor learn- ing classrooms. e child care center will have expanded services and hours for children from six weeks to age 5. A four-room health care suite operated by St. Joseph Healthcare and Community Health and Counseling will provide low-income members access to on-site medical, behavioral health and dental services, substance abuse prevention, holistic health and wellness support and chronic illness management. Named after Cathy Gero, a longtime member and supporter of the Bangor Region Y, the facility will be able to serve over 35,000 individuals annually, a 229% increase from current capacity, and create scores of jobs. "e excitement and need for this new Y is made clearly evident by the incredi- ble community support we have received from individuals, business, organizations and foundations," says Dickerson. 19 C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » If people want to visit here, they will want to live here and if they want to live here, they will want to have their business here. It all connects. — Anne Krieg City of Bangor