"I'm from Maine, born and raised," says Candice Simeoni, a First County Foundation (FCF) Board Member. Her roots in York County are deep, and so is her calling to protect her community, as she is an Elder Crimes Investigator with 22 years of law enforcement experience.
"I saw so many vulnerabilities among older adults. It became my mission to protect them."
For years, Candice saw firsthand how a lack of local, specialized training hampered first responders' ability to serve. Officers "really had to fight to go to training," she recalls, facing long commutes and high costs that kept critical skills out of reach.
That is why the new First County Regional Training Center, supported by FCF, is more than just a building—it's a "huge blessing." It is a proverbial game-changer that builds confidence and brings state-of-the-art training right here to our community. For Candice, it means she can now equip every new officer in Maine with her vital elder justice curriculum, close to home.
The Training Center’s location next to the FCF-supported Recovery Center (opening late 2026) brings a renewed sense of hope. It "brings back that human touch," according to Candice, who says FCF bridges the gap between a crisis call and a real path to healing.
"It reminds our first responders why they serve and gives them the confidence that when they lead someone to help, the resources are finally there."
About First County Foundation
Founded in 2023, FCF is charged with a mission “to support and strengthen safe and healthy communities by resourcing transformational solutions to the emergent needs of York County.”
Contact Us
If you have any questions about FCF, please get in touch with Rachel Stansfield at 207.459.7055 or restansfield@yorkcountymaine.gov.
