Our History

Our Beginnings

The formation of the Maine MultiCultural Center (MMCC) was set in motion in the late summer of 2016 by then-Bangor Mayor Sean Faircloth, in response to growing concerns about the Bangor area's shrinking workforce and recognition of the need for greater cultural and ethnic diversity.

With the support of leaders representing diverse cultural and ethnic communities, as well as local businesses, community organizations, faith-based groups, and municipal government, a coalition emerged with two primary goals: to provide professional welcoming services to New Mainers and to increase awareness and appreciation of the benefits of cultural and ethnic diversity in the region.

MMCC was initially housed at the University of Maine at Augusta's Bangor Campus, with Eastern Maine Development Corporation serving as its fiscal agent. The Bangor City Council endorsed the organization and its mission, and a volunteer Steering Committee guided its early development. In June 2017, MMCC incorporated as an independent organization, transitioning to governance by a volunteer Board of Directors. In May 2018, it obtained official nonprofit status.

Building a Welcoming Community

MMCC began developing programs soon after its founding. With guidance from Catholic Charities' Refugee and Immigrant Services and support from interns at the University of Maine at Augusta, the organization launched an asset-mapping project and began offering workshops on cultural humility.

Following the 2016 national elections, refugee resettlement across the country slowed considerably, while opposition to immigration grew. This made MMCC's work to foster understanding and appreciation of the immigrant communities already established in the Bangor area even more important. In response, the organization developed programs to address local needs and continued advocating for immigrant rights and services at the local, state, and national levels.

In 2019, MMCC relocated its offices to share space with Eastern Maine Development Corporation. Following the 2020 election, refugee resettlement began to increase again. In December 2021, Bangor was officially designated as a refugee relocation center, marking a new chapter in the region's role in welcoming newcomers.

In January 2022, MMCC merged with Welcoming Immigrant Neighbors–Bangor (WIN). The merger expanded the organization's capacity to provide direct services and support to New Mainers. Through its Volunteer Support Team Program, MMCC renewed its focus on helping individuals and families navigate daily life, establish connections, and become integrated into the community.

Expanding Direct Services

In October 2022, Catholic Charities opened an office in Brewer. Working in partnership with Catholic Charities, MMCC launched its Move-In Program to help resettled refugee families establish their new homes by providing furniture, household goods, and other essential items. The Volunteer Support Team Program continued to help families navigate local systems, access resources, and build relationships within their new community.

In May 2023, MMCC hired its first Executive Director, followed by its first Program Manager in June. The organization continued to grow, adding an Outreach Coordinator in 2024 to strengthen community engagement and service delivery.

Following the retirement of Executive Director Pamela Proulx-Curry in May 2026, MMCC transitioned to new leadership. Today, the organization has a full-time Executive Director and a part-time Volunteer Coordinator, continuing to build its capacity to respond to the needs of immigrant and refugee families throughout the Greater Bangor region.

From its beginnings as a community coalition, MMCC has grown into a nonprofit connecting New Mainers with essential resources, educational opportunities, employment support, housing assistance, and community connections. Its work remains rooted in the founding vision: a welcoming and inclusive region where cultural diversity is valued and everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.