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)
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.
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
2010 Board Members
Rachel Lowe, President
Auburn, Maine
[Term expires January 1, 2013]
Charles Dingman, Esq., Vice President
Preti Flaherty Beliveau Pachios & Haley
Augusta, Maine
[Term expires January 1, 2012]
Jerrol A. Crouter, Esq., Treasurer
Drummond Woodsum
Portland, Maine
[Term expires January 1, 2011]
Beverly Baker
Maine Parent Federation
Augusta, Maine
[Term expires January 1, 2012]
John McCall
First Congregational Church
South Portland, Maine
[Term expires January 1, 2011]
Kathy Moore
Waterville, ME
[Term expires January 1, 2013]
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Rachael Newman
Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation
Augusta, Maine
[Term expires January 1, 2013]
John Pelletier, Esq.
Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services
Augusta, Maine
[Term expires January 1, 2011]
Debra Reece, Esq.
Rudman & Winchell
Bangor, Maine
[Term expires January 1, 2012]
Michael J. Saxl, Esq
Maine Street Solutions
Augusta, Maine
[Term expires January 1, 2013]
Sharon Treat, Esq.
National Legislative Association
on Prescription Drug Prices
Hallowell, Maine
[Term expires January 1, 2012]
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organization names given for identification purposes only
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
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