About Us

In order to improve services to racial, ethnic and linguistic minority populations in the state of Maine, the Department of Health and Human Services, with the support of the Office of the Governor, strategically established the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA). The office provides support to state agencies, non-governmental organization, and community partners in order to develop sustainable projects and initiatives that will address the needs of the above mentioned multicultural community.

The Office implements the recommendations of the Multicultural Affairs Sub-Cabinet that was established by Executive Order, in acknowledgement of the need to provide strategic planning, policy development and program implementation for services to Maine residents who belong to racial, ethnic and linguistic minorities. These services assist recipients in achieving economic, education and social self-sufficiency. The Office promotes mutual cooperation, exchange and understanding among the various populations served which will be vital to the provision of meaningful, effective service delivery.

Vision:

Maine’s ethnic, racial and linguistic minority communities living safe, healthy and productive lives.

Mission:

To provide support to State Agencies, Non-Governmental organizations and Community Partners in addressing the needs of ethnic, racial and linguistic minorities in Maine.

Goals:

To partner and collaborate with State wide Agencies.
To build the internal capacity of State Agencies in a comprehensive manner so it will reflect our changing demographics and therefore, changing needs.
To promote the provision of meaningful, effective culturally and linguistically appropriate services by working closely with State Agencies and Service Providers.
To Identify, generate, attract, maximize and effectively steward resources in the state.
To maintain and disseminate data on racial, ethnic and linguistic minority communities in the State of Maine.
To offer training, education and technical assistance to ethnic, racial and linguistic minorities.
To build the capacity of minority communities by supporting leadership development and self-sufficient initiatives.
To promote mutual exchange, understanding, and cooperation to and within ethnic, racial and linguistic minorities.
Provide a Platform for stakeholders to connect, share, network, (and mentor), in new and unique ways.
Support and contribute to the growth of the pool of qualified interpreters.
Maintain and disseminate a comprehensive list of stakeholders (MAA, Community Partners, other agencies).

Guiding principles:

Value the strengths of the contributions of the ethnic, racial and linguistic minority communities.
Honor and respect the differences between all ethnic, racial and minority communities.
Every “Voice” in Maine is heard.
Uphold the civil and human rights of the ethnic, racial and linguistic minority communities.
Treat all stakeholders with cultural sensitivity.
Value and support departmental staff as critical connections to our stakeholders.
Committed to keeping abreast of best practices and national “trends”.
Balancing relationships, processes and results.
To use existing resources and networks to leverage change and progress.
To seek out collaborative initiative for maximum success

Core Functions - The core functions of the Office are designed to support and enhance the quality and integrity of services
Highlights of OMA