PORTLAND, ME — Thanks to the United Way of Greater Portland's 15^th annual Day of Caring held on May 17^th, more than two-dozen volunteers rejuvenated the grounds of Forest Avenue Apartments, a 16-unit residential complex designed for adults with a permanent disability who meet income eligibility requirements.

"This is the second year that Day of Caring volunteers have spent the day replanting flower boxes and raised strawberry beds, power-washing the stockade fence, spreading mulch, and raking leaves," stated Lisa Goulet, HUD Program Specialist for Forest Avenue Apartments. "Our tenants truly appreciate their hard work and generosity."

Local businesses that enabled their employees to spend the Day of Caring at Forest Avenue Apartments included: Home Depot, Store #2401; IDEXX Laboratories; MacDonald Page & Co.; Teamsters Local 340; and Unum. "We also wish to express our appreciation to those local businesses who helped sponsor our luncheon: Portland House of Pizza; Shaw's (NORTHGATE); and Subway (Allen Avenue)," continued Goulet.

Among those individuals adding to the success of the day were Marc Lamontagne of Portland, who provided the necessary tools for the occasion, and local and visiting employees of Crotched Mountain Residential Services: Rick Beaudin; Jon Eriquezzo; Jennifer Purcell; and Sue Tomasz-Taylor.

A special award was presented to James Trott, who has provided maintenance services for Forest Avenue Apartments for nearly three years. "Jim is someone who consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty," declared Jon Eriquezzo, executive director of Crotched Mountain Residential Services. "His dedication and generosity have earned him the respect and admiration of the tenants and staff of Forest Avenue Apartments."

Built in 1995, Forest Avenue Apartments is one of four wheelchair-accessible apartment complexes for people with disabilities owned and managed by Crotched Mountain Residential Services, a charitable organization based in Greenfield, NH. The building is located at 1300 Forest Avenue in Portland, ME. For further information about Forest Avenue Apartments, please call 207-797-7102 or visit their website: www.crotchedmountain.org.