Earlier this week, one of our York County Jail corrections officers was invited to an immigration appointment in Scarborough and when he arrived, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He remains in custody at Plymouth, Massachusetts facility as of Friday, Jan. 23.

The County of York has a rigorous hiring process. It encompasses an application process, reference and criminal background checks, employment verification and federal I-9 verifications, and other governmental databases to verify status and work permissions to ensure that those we are considering hiring are able to lawfully work here. We hire only those who meet or exceed those requirements.

To the best of our knowledge this individual has never committed any type of crime that would result in the revocation of his legal status. It remains unknown if and/or when his legal status changed. From York County’s perspective, it never received any notification on whether there had been a change in his status. This individual was a contributing and valued member of the staff.

The County of York supports local and federal law enforcement in their various missions.

There are many vacancies at York County Jail. The loss of any individual impacts the already strained workforce.

While enforcement actions are being promoted as targeting the “worst of the worst” the reality appears far more complicated. Changes in immigration policy have redefined who is considered lawfully present in the United States. Individuals who were previously in compliance with the law are, in our view, now being reclassified – not necessarily because of criminal behavior, but because the rules, or the interpretation thereof, changed.

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@yorkcountyfcf.org.

As millions of Americans face delays or reductions in federal food assistance due to the ongoing government shutdown, First County Food Pantry will serve anyone, regardless of application status or geographic location.

The pantry's open-door policy comes at a critical time as approximately 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are experiencing benefit disruptions. In Maine, thousands of residents are among those affected by the federal funding lapse that began November 1.

"The food pantry is still open and meeting the needs of our communities, friends, and neighbors," said Rachel Stansfield, Chief Advancement Officer for First County Foundation (FCF), which operates the pantry. "We will get through this together."

Each month, First County Food Pantry helps feed more than 3,000 people, including 506 children in October alone, offering essential support to individuals and families across the region. The pantry operates every Tuesday and Friday from noon to 3:00 p.m. at 5 Swetts Bridge Road in Alfred.

Food banks nationwide are reporting increased demand as SNAP recipients seek alternative sources of food assistance. Unlike many emergency food programs, First County Food Pantry does not require an application process or proof of residency. The pantry also provides special holiday meals at Thanksgiving and Christmas, ensuring continued support during the season when food costs typically increase for families.

First County Foundation took over the operation of the food pantry in May 2025 when York County commissioners provided $25,000 for initial operations and $100,000 for the current fiscal year. The transition from the previous operator, York County Shelter Programs Inc., was designed to ensure stable, long-term operations.

"FCF was founded to support projects that strengthen York County, so this is a natural fit for us," added Stansfield. "I look forward to continuing to build on our partnership with the York County Government to ensure basic needs are met in our county."

Founded in 2024, 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." Click here to learn more about the pantry.

Construction is advancing on schedule at both the York County First Responder Training Center and the York County Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Center, two cornerstone projects meant to strengthen public safety and wellness infrastructure in York County. First County Foundation (FCF), the charitable arm of the York County Government, is fundraising for the project.

Since early 2023, York County Government has worked in close collaboration with Landry/French Construction, Oak Point Associates, Lassel Architects, and dozens of specialty subcontractors to ensure both projects remain aligned in vision, technical precision, and scheduling.

“The scope of these projects is significant,” said Michael Auclair, Assistant Project Manager at Landry/French. “It’s taken an extraordinary level of teamwork and expertise to keep both facilities moving forward together.”

The First Responder Training Center, a 57,000-square-foot multi-use complex, broke ground in October 2024 and is on track for completion in January 2026. The facility will provide fire, law enforcement, EMS, and dispatch personnel with state-of-the-art simulation, fitness, and classroom-based training. Key features include municipal offices, lecture spaces, VR-enabled simulators, a vehicle training bay, ADA-compliant locker rooms, and a multi-story burn tower for live fire exercises.

Construction at the Training Center has progressed smoothly, and all site utilities and base paving are complete, the burn tower foundations are set, and roofing is installed. Rooftop MEP equipment is being placed, and the rain screen siding system is underway. Inside, second-floor MEP systems, acoustic insulation, and drywall are finished, while first-floor installations continue. In the coming weeks, work will focus on finishing drywall, installing windows and storefronts, and preparing for the burn tower’s late July delivery.

Simultaneously, the 54,000-square-foot Treatment and Recovery Center—designed as a trauma-informed residential facility—began construction in April 2025 and is scheduled for completion by late summer 2026. The center will offer 58 beds for detox, long-term residential care, and outpatient services, with specialized wings and shared spaces for comprehensive support.

The Recovery Center has already completed site utilities, base paving, and foundation work. Underground MEP systems are installed and inspected, and vertical framing is underway with prefabricated wall panels. Next steps include completing wall panel installation, starting overhead MEP systems, and preparing for roofing and exterior envelope work.

Both projects have required innovative solutions to overcome winter construction challenges. “Managing winter conditions has tested our team’s adaptability,” said Auclair. “From heated enclosures and insulated blankets to flexible scheduling and enhanced safety protocols, Landry/French has kept the work on track and maintained our high standards for quality and safety.”

When complete, both buildings will be fully ADA-accessible, designed for future scalability, and serve as vital, long-term assets for York County’s public health and safety network.

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.

First County Foundation’s (FCF) board of directors is setting a new standard for community leadership in York County, with members whose professional and personal commitments are shaping the region’s response to urgent needs.

“The strength of FCF’s governance lies in the lived experience and dedication of its members, who are deeply invested in the well-being of York County,” said Chief Advancement Officer Rachel Stansfield.

Among those board members is Diane Small, who also serves as executive director of the Sanford Housing Authority. Small’s decades-long commitment to housing and recovery services exemplifies the board’s impact. “Housing is the foundation for stability,” Small said. “All other supports—whether food, recovery, or employment—are built on the ability to have a safe place to live.”

Small’s career began at the Sanford General Assistance office. She later moved into the role of Chief Operating Officer of York County Shelter Programs, where she was part of a curated team assembled by York County Manager Greg Zinser that created Layman’s Way Recovery Center, a 24-bed facility for substance use treatment.

At Sanford Housing Authority, her leadership has led to the development of a new 30-unit recovery-supportive housing project, funded in part by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and supported by the City of Sanford and York County. The initiative provides no-barrier housing for individuals at any stage of substance use or recovery, with access to case management and supportive services.

“My parents taught me the importance of compassion and dignity,” said Small. “I saw how housing instability could disrupt families and impact children. This project is about giving people the opportunity to rebuild, regardless of where they are in their journey.”

The new housing initiative is closely connected to the York County Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Center in Alfred, which will offer a comprehensive range of care—from detoxification to long-term recovery—beginning in early 2026. The coordinated approach seeks to address service gaps and provide a direct pathway from crisis to stability.

“There is currently no clear pathway for people in York County to access detox and recovery without leaving their community,” Small said. “Our partnership with FCF and York County will allow individuals to transition directly from treatment into supportive housing, eliminating many of the barriers that have kept people from getting the help they need.”

While the York County Government will operate the Treatment and Recovery Center, FCF is its charitable arm. 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.”

In addition to the Treatment and Recovery Center, FCF is responsible for raising funds for the York County First Responder Training Center, set to open in late 2025.

“It’s terrific to have people like Diane on our board who understand the complex issues we are addressing,” said Stansfield. “Her insight and commitment ensure that our efforts are grounded in the real needs of York County residents.”

Click here to learn more about the Sanford Housing Authority’s project, part of a broader “Housing First” strategy.

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@yorkcountyfcf.org.

Opening early 2026, York County’s First Responder Training Center will set a new standard for how Maine prepares police, firefighters, EMS, and dispatchers.

“There’s nothing like it in Maine,” said York County Chief Fire Administrator Roger Hooper. “This facility will dramatically improve the competence and confidence of our first responders.”

Equipped with classrooms, a tactical simulation center, and specialized infrastructure, including a steel box for live fire training, the Training Center will also feature a dedicated canine training program—a first for Southern Maine.

“We’re going to have a canine course,” explained Chief Deputy Jeremy Forbes of the York County Sheriff's Office. “Right now, there’s no place for canines in Southern Maine to train. This will fill a critical gap.”

Forbes said the Training Center will foster skill-building across disciplines. “I think we already do a great job as first responders, but this will increase our training, knowledge, and communication,” he explained. “It will help us learn from each other, stay updated, and work better together across departments.”

Wells Police Chief Kevin Chabot praised York County’s investment, describing it as “forward-thinking.” “We’re on the edge of the state line, and you don’t always see public safety prioritized like this,” he said. “York County identified a problem and acted on it—and that includes the Recovery Center, too.”

The York County Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Center is scheduled to open in 2026. While First County Foundation (FCF), the charitable arm of the York County Government is fundraising for the project, both state-of-the-art and best-in-class facilities will be operated by the York County Government.

FCF also recently took over the operation of First County Food Pantry. Previously, the food pantry was managed by nonprofit York County Shelter Programs Inc.

“It’s an exciting time for us and the entire county of York,” noted Rachel Stansfield, FCF Chief Advancement Officer. “Our goal is not just to address emergent needs in York County, but to serve as a community hub for intra-agency collaboration.”

The focus now, however, is on completing the Training Center. “Every week, every day, more progress is made,” said Stansfield. “We appreciate Landry/French Construction and the work and care they are putting into this project.”

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.