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PORTLAND, Maine – October 17, 2026
25 volunteers from Renewal by Andersen joined Shalom House on Saturday, October 17, to replace more than 35 windows at a Shalom House residential home on Congress Street. Moxie the Moose from Hearts of Pine was also there to help keep spirits high as the team completed the project during the chilly Saturday.
Renewal by Andersen selected Shalom House as the nonprofit recipient of its annual Window of Giving program after the organization was nominated. The program provides free window and door replacements to a nonprofit each year.
With winter approaching, the new windows will help improve the home’s energy efficiency and keep residents warm and comfortable throughout the colder months.
“The adults we serve live with severe mental illness and can face challenges finding and maintaining stable housing. Being able to improve their living space is incredibly meaningful. It’s a way to remind our residents that they are valued, that they matter, and that they deserve a safe and comfortable place to call home,” said Emily Mitchell, Development and Communications Manager at Shalom House.
Shalom House is grateful to Renewal by Andersen and its volunteers for their time and generosity. Special thanks to Collin Burg, General Manager, and Eden Gendron, Service Manager, for helping make this project possible.
Media Contact
Emily Mitchell
Development and Communications Manager
Shalom House
Emily.mitchell@shalomhouseinc.org, 207-245-3530 -
PORTLAND, Maine – October 8, 2026
Shalom House staff, board members, and community partners gathered at two Portland residential homes for adults living with mental illness to plant tulip gardens in honor of Mental Illness Awareness Week.
A group of 30 gathered at Blanchard House in the West End and Woodford House in Deering Center to plant gardens in remembrance of colleague Marlene McNeill, and to signify a community effort to increase mental health awareness.
Partnering with the Yellow Tulip Project, Shalom House planted yellow tulip bulbs as a symbol of hope at Blanchard House, and rainbow tulip bulbs at Woodford House in honor of colleague Marlene, who loved bright colors.
Both homes offer 24-hour staffing and support services for adults living with severe mental illness.
Shalom House is a non-profit organization that offers clinical mental health services and affordable housing to adults living with severe mental illness. Shalom House provides services to over 1,000 individuals each year and is committed to providing services that keep individuals with mental illness housed and a part of the community.
For more information, please contact:
Emily MitchellDevelopment & Communications Manager
Shalom House
207-874-1080
www.shalomhouseinc.org
Emily.Mitchell@shalomhouseinc.org -
May 8, 2026
As we work through the tragedy of Marlene’s passing, we want to share her family’s GoFundMe page.
Marlene was an irreplaceable part of Shalom House, and her impact on this work is long-lasting. Marlene was kind, compassionate, and deeply respected by all who knew her. During this difficult time, we want to come together to support her family and express our deepest condolences for their loss.
You can help support her family here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-marlene-mcneils-family
Thank you
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April 30, 2026
Shalom House is thrilled to announce that Abigail Spadone has been selected as our next Executive Director. Abby will assume the role currently held by Mary Haynes-Rodgers, who will retire in July after 18 years of leadership.
The Shalom House Board of Directors, in partnership with Starboard Leadership Consulting, conducted a comprehensive nationwide search for the next Executive Director of Shalom House. Following interviews, feedback from staff members, and careful consideration, the Board selected Abby as the leader best positioned to guide the organization into its next chapter.
To this role, Abby brings exceptional leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to the Shalom House mission and to those living with severe and persistent mental illness.
Abby joined Shalom House in 2017 as the Director of Residential Treatment, during which she ensured the quality of care provided by staff across all residential Private Non-Medical Institution (PNMI) properties, and managed budgets, staff, and clinical operations. In 2019, she became Shalom House’s Clinical Director, a position she has held since.
As Clinical Director, Abby has led hundreds of Shalom House staff members in providing care to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. She spearheaded the development and implementation of Electronic Health Records at Shalom House, expanded the clinical department to enhance services for clients and support for staff, and led program development for the Mellen Street property, providing independent apartments and community-based services to individuals living with mental illness.
Prior to joining Shalom House, Abby built progressive leadership experience at Catholic Charities Maine, where she began working in 2013. At CCM, Abby supported individuals’ mental and physical health needs, working with an interdisciplinary team to identify gaps in care. She later became a key part of CCM’s internal auditing structure, helping ensure quality of care and compliance with state guidelines. She eventually served as Clinical Team Leader for the Behavioral Health Home Program, spearheading the development and implementation of a statewide initiative in response to the Affordable Care Act. Lastly, she assisted in expanding the Behavioral Health Home Program to other Catholic Charities Maine locations and implemented the CCM Mentor Program.
After earning her bachelor’s degree from Montana State University Bozeman, Abby began her career in Portland, Oregon, where she supported individuals living with intellectual disabilities from 2009 to 2011. Abby moved to Maine in 2011 and, from 2011 to 2013, completed her Master of Social Work at Smith College.
“We’re very excited to have Abby as our new executive director,” says Mark Adelson, chair of Shalom House Board of Directors. “Her deep commitment to the Shalom House mission and proven leadership makes her the right person to guide the agency into the future. It’s clear the problems associated with mental health continue to grow and impact communities. Abby brings the experience needed to strengthen and expand the services that are so urgently needed.”
In addition to Abby’s incredible work at Shalom House, she also served as a member of the Maine Regional School Unit 21 Board of Directors, the school district serving Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel. She is the mother of two boys and lives in Arundel with her husband, Miles.
Questions? Please contact:
Emily Mitchell
Development & Communications Manager
emily.mitchell@shalomhouseinc.org
207-874-1080
