Anonymous donation secures future of Friendship Cottage
The gift ensures continued adult day services in Hancock County
CAAWHC recently received a $135,000 anonymous donation to the Friendship Cottage Building Fund, “ensuring both the completion of the purchase and critical improvements to the facility.” Photo courtesy of Community Action in Aroostook, Washington and Hancock Counties.
June 2, 2026
By Staff
BLUE HILL—Community Action in Aroostook, Washington and Hancock Counties has announced that the organization will close on the purchase of Friendship Cottage this week, securing the future of essential adult day services in Hancock County. CAAWHC recently received a $135,000 anonymous donation to the Friendship Cottage Building Fund, a press release said, which ensures “both the completion of the purchase and critical improvements to the facility.”
CAAWHC invites community members to commemorate this “extraordinary achievement during” CAAWHC’s public Open House and Summer Barbecue on Saturday, June 6, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., the release said, noting that the event will be a “celebration of community, compassion, and commitment.”
The anonymous gift provides “the final funding needed to complete the $600,000 acquisition, covering the remaining $65,000 for the purchase and closing costs, while dedicating an additional $70,000 toward urgent capital improvements, including replacement of the aging roof and other essential structural upgrades,” the release said.
The announcement marks the culmination of a community-driven effort that raised more than $700,000 in just a few months. To read more about that effort, please see The Rising Tide’s previous coverage.
“This is truly a moment of celebration and gratitude,” said Jason Parent, CEO of CAAWHC, in the release. “The successful closing on the purchase of Friendship Cottage, combined with this incredibly generous anonymous gift, reflects the deep care and dedication this community has for one another. Because of this collective effort, Friendship Cottage will continue to serve local families for years to come in a safe, welcoming, and improved setting.”
Friendship Cottage “provides vital daytime care, meals, and meaningful social engagement for adults living with physical, cognitive, or memory challenges, offering critical support to caregivers throughout the region,” the release said.
The June 6 Open House will feature guided tours, refreshments, and brief remarks highlighting the impact and future of Friendship Cottage, the release said. The address for the event is 118 Ellsworth Rd, Blue Hill, ME 04614.
The event will also offer opportunities for community members to continue supporting the Cottage through investments in facility enhancements, the release said. These include “interior renovations, accessibility improvements, and new furnishings designed to increase comfort and better serve program participants.”
For more information or to RSVP to the event, call (207) 610-5003 or email anne.ossanna@acap-me.org.