The Charlotte White Center

The Charlotte White Center just received an award from the Maine Development Foundation as Economic Development Champions. They are a non-profit located in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, in Piscataquis County with offices in another 5 counties.

We've worked with Dick Brown (CEO) and his staff for over 4 years and we're pleased to see them get this award....but not surprised.

We've helped them with strategic planning, development of their senior management team, training all 50+ managers in leadership skills, and facilitated a cost reduction effort.

What have they been doing well that got them the award? The Charlotte White Center has been an economic engine in one of the poorest counties in Maine...highly unusual for a non profit. They have been creating jobs caring for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or behavioral and mental health concerns, then going one step further by creating jobs for the people they serve by finding niches and exploiting them. This is more like a "for profit" organization and the revenue compensates for reductions in Medicare & Medicaid that have traditionally funded their programs. New "for profit" ventures have included a Christmas tree farm, an organic greenhouse & weatherization program. At 480 staff they are the second largest employer in the county.

From a consulting perspective what has impressed us is the entrepreneurial spirit throughout the organization, the vision and energy to stay ahead of declining state & federal funding, total dedication to the people they serve, continuous development of their staff and the next generation of leaders, and willingness to take risks and try new ventures. Hanging in every room is their "Code of Professional Conduct"...a one page document developed by employees that governs how they treat each other and the consumers they serve.

Charlotte White's original vision was "to do something for people less fortunate than ourselves" and 30 years later the center is still doing that. Successfully.

David Green & Ginger Ward-Green.

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