Our Story
Founded in 2020 by a group of concerned local mental health advocates and professionals, Community Action for Mental Health (CAMH) is united by the belief that mental health is a collective responsibility and that a community thrives when every individual feels seen, supported, and valued.
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We started CAMH in the midst of a local mental health crisis here in Gorham that was compounded by the effects of the pandemic. As residents with expertise and connections to mental health resources, we felt we could not just remain on the sidelines.
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Through our network of mental health champions, educational programs, peer support, training, and referral solutions, we are working to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and improve access to mental health care for individuals, families, schools, and workplaces throughout Gorham.
"A community thrives when every individual feels seen, supported, and valued."
— CAMH Founding Principle
Our Mission
Mission Statement
Building a culture in Gorham, Maine where mental health can be openly discussed, stigma is dismantled, and support becomes accessible to all — regardless of financial, cultural, or systemic barriers.
Key Areas of Focus
Pillar I
Sparking and sustaining meaningful conversations about mental health across every area of community life — at home, in schools, in workplaces, and within local government.
Pillar II
Connecting families, schools, and employers with affordable, inclusive, and accessible services that address mental health needs at every stage of life.
Our Vision
We aim to build a replicable model of community-driven mental health support that can become a blueprint carried across Maine.
Our vision for our community is to offer:
A network of local mental health champions embedded in the community
Accessible treatment pathways for every family, regardless of financial means
Peer support and mindfulness programs open to all
Family education and community workshops on mental health literacy
Creative solutions to provider shortages and financial barriers across Maine
A replicable community blueprint — expanding the Gorham model statewide
Our Values
Compassion
We respond with empathy, not judgment. Every conversation, every referral, every interaction begins with the understanding that reaching out takes courage.
Inclusivity
Connection
Every mental health experience is valid and respected. We build programs and pathways that serve Gorham's full community — across age, background, and circumstance.
Every mental health experience is valid and respected. We build programs and pathways that serve Gorham's full community — across age, background, and circumstance.
Community Impact
Since CAMH started, we have been able to make a difference in the Gorham community in several ways.
LAUNCHED
counseling services in August 2026
PARTICIPATED
in annual GHS football homecoming, field hockey mental health awareness night
AWARDED
$6000 in Mental Health Champion scholarships
TAKE PART IN
monthly community partnerships
Support CAMH
CAMH runs on community support. Whether you give, volunteer, or simply spread the word — you can be part of what makes this work possible.
Donate
Your gift funds training, workshops, scholarships, and crisis support — to the people who need them most. Every dollar stays in Gorham.
Volunteer
Show up at events, spread the word, or bring your professional skills to our programs. There is no contribution too small, and there is a place for you here.
