Maine Equal Justice Celebrates 10 Years of Working for Justice
This year, 2006, marks the tenth anniversary of the founding of Maine Equal Justice. To celebrate this milestone,
MEJP had a party on June 1 at Maple Hill Farm in Hallowell.
Over 175 colleagues and friends came to celebrate with us. Chellie Pingree, president of Common Cause and former
Maine state senator was our featured guest and speaker. We also paid tribute to some very special people that evening:
Mary T. Henderson, Founder and Executive Director of MEJP for ten years. Mary's brilliance, hard work, and
vision have shaped public policy affecting low-income people in Maine for nearly three decades. Under Mary's leadership,
MEJP became a respected voice for Maine's low-income people - in the legislature, in state agencies, and in the courts.
Because of her dedication and leadership, MEJP can celebrate ten years of extraordinary accomplishments today.
Roger Putnam, Esq., MEJP founder and Board member. When Congress changed how legal services would be funded and
provided in the mid-1990’s, Roger Putnam was instrumental in founding Maine Equal Justice. He helped Mary and Chris
develop a plan to continue to advocate for low-income people in the legislature and in the courts. Roger served as Maine
Equal Justice Project's first Board President and continues to serve on the Board of Maine Equal Justice Partners today.
He has been a true champion of justice in Maine!
Maine AFL-CIO - for giving MEJP shelter and support. When Mary Henderson and Chris Hastedt needed a home
for their new organization in 1996, the Maine AFL-CIO was there. They provided an office, supplies, friendship, and an
unwavering belief that MEJP would survive and flourish. Ten years later, Maine Equal Justice is pleased to pay tribute to
the Maine AFL-CIO for its critical support in those early days, and to the three individuals who lead the organization
today: Ed Gorham, Ned McCann, and Ken Morgan.
Judy Guay - 1941-2006. It was fitting that, on MEJP's tenth anniversary, we also paid tribute to Judy,
a beloved friend and tireless advocate, who passed away on February 28, 2006. A founding member and president of the
Maine Association of Interdependent Neighborhoods (MAIN)
since its inception in 1981, Judy was a very special person - someone who inspired us and warmed our hearts.
Judy gave us hope; she helped us find our own voices and taught us that,
together we can make a difference. We will miss her terribly, but her spirit and convictions live on among us.
Over the past ten years MEJP's advocacy has brought hope, opportunity, and security to thousands of
low-income Mainers. We celebrate our accomplishments but know that this work is never done. The need
for advocacy on behalf of Maine's low-income families is greater than ever. The MEJP staff and board are ready
for the next ten years. We will continue to work to improve the lives and opportunities for low-income people
in Maine.
Many thanks to our anniversary celebration supporters
Champion of Justice
Verrill Dana LLP
Advocates
AARP
Maine Community Action Association
Allies
Disability Rights Center
Joel D. Davis and Associates
Maine Center for Economic Policy
Maine Primary Care Association
Activists
Beth McPherson & Paul Kando
Gibson LeClair and Martinv
Howe & Company
Joanne D'Arcangelo
Legal Services for the Elderly
Mabel Wadsworth Women's Health Center
Maine Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Maine Association of Mental Health Services
Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community
Maine Community Foundation
Maine State Bar Association
Maine Women's Fund
Maine Women's Lobby
Moose Ridge Associates
Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland
Shenna Bellows
Tobi Leanna Schneider
