Shalom House, Inc.

06/09/2026

Another example of our community showing up, providing care and compassion, and putting people first. We are extremely grateful to this physician, who provided services that saved this client from further stress and increased symptoms.

Thank you to this person, and to all of those who show up when needed most. 💚

06/04/2026

We are in awe of the continued support and care from our community partners. Almost every day we receive a card, flowers, or note acknowledging Marlene and the work we are doing to care for those with mental illness. We are continuing to offer resources to our staff through Critical Incident Stress Management support groups, our Employee Assistance Program, and leaning on each other, and will continue to do so through the coming weeks and months. Thank you to all who think of us and those who have reached out. 💚

06/03/2026

We love seeing communities come together like this across the state. 💚

05/26/2026

Each year, the Shalom House Art Program attends the Maine HOPE Conference, a recovery and wellness conference that brings together service providers and members of the recovery community across the state.

This year, we weren’t able to be there. We were, and still are, grieving, and taking things one moment at a time. So, imagine our surprise when this huge card showed up at our door this morning, signed with care and love from all of our community partners. It now hangs in our lobby as a reminder of the support and compassion we are surrounded by.

In the spirit of continuing to show up for those we serve through this difficult time, we visited Color Me Mine with our art students a few weeks after they would have attended the conference and painted pottery together. It was a nice time to sit quietly, but be together.

To everyone at the HOPE Conference who thought of Marlene and Shalom, signed the card, and held us in your hearts, thank you. We felt your support and we are so grateful. 💚

05/20/2026

Sometimes, the message we need arrives exactly when we need it.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to read a story from one of our staff members, Jamie. This is a reflection on the work we do and on grace.

To our staff, and the staff of mental health organizations everywhere: thank you. We will continue to carry each other forward. 💚

05/18/2026

As we continue to process this difficult time, we are striving to maintain a sense of normalcy and care for those we serve. Last week, our Clinical Intern from the University of New England organized an international cooking class for our residents.

The practice of being open to new experiences, like cooking and eating a cuisine from a different culture, has many physical and mental health benefits that support recovery. The day included education about cultures, provided living skills, and created space for socialization.

Residents and staff enjoyed a meal while offering time for conversation and care for one another. We will continue to provide resources to those we serve and support our staff through the coming weeks and months.

05/11/2026

As we continue to be devastated by the loss of our beloved colleague, Marlene, we want to share her family’s GoFundMe page once again.

Marlene was an incredible person and an irreplaceable part of Shalom House. She was a mother, partner, colleague, and friend, to so many.

If you are able, please consider donating to help support her family through this unimaginable time.

Marlene McNeill was the kind of person who made everyone around her feel seen. She … Brian P O'Connell needs your support for Support Marlene McNeill's Family

05/07/2026

As we work through the tragedy of Marlene’s passing, we want to share her family’s GoFundMe page.

Marlene was an irreplaceable part of Shalom House, and her impact on this work is long-lasting. Marlene was kind, compassionate, and deeply respected by all who knew her. During this difficult time, we want to come together to support her family and express our deepest condolences for their loss.

You can help support her family here:

Marlene McNeill was the kind of person who made everyone around her feel seen. She … Brian P O'Connell needs your support for Support Marlene McNeill's Family

05/01/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

At Shalom House, this month is more than a campaign, it is a reflection of the work we do every day alongside individuals living with, and navigating, persistent mental illness. We believe that recovery is possible, we see it each and every day.

This month, we'll be sharing stories, resources, and ways you can support mental health in our community.

Our first tip of the month: checking in with each other matters. Conversation, relationships, and showing up for one another makes a difference.

04/30/2026

We are thrilled to share that our very own Abby Spadone has been selected as Shalom House’s next Executive Director!

Abby has been an integral part of the Shalom House team since 2017 and has served as our Clinical Director since 2019. Her deep commitment to our mission, our staff, and the people we serve makes her the best fit to guide us into the next chapter of this work.

Following a comprehensive nationwide search led by our board of directors, we are proud to say that our next leader was already here at home. Abby will step into this role in July following Mary Haynes-Rodgers retirement.

Please join us in congratulating Abby on this exciting new role!

Read the full announcement at the link below:
https://www.shalomhouseinc.org/news/