Jason Parent, Executive Director, Aroostook Community Action Program

As Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jason leads Community Action in Aroostook, Washington and Hancock Counties. Jason holds a Master of Science in Business Degree from Husson University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. In 2022, Jason earned his Certified Community Action Professional Credential. Prior to joining Community Action in 2015, Jason held communication leadership positions in higher education and healthcare for nearly two decades.

Jason and his leadership team have positioned the Agency to become a national leader in advancing and adopting the Whole Family/Two-Generation Approach and a Comprehensive Service Delivery Model that involves working with families and individuals on all facets of their advancement so they achieve economic and social mobility and overall wellbeing. He is passionate about community involvement and volunteerism and currently serves on the boards of a number of organizations, including as the President of the Board of Aroostook Home Health Services/Valley Home Health Services, Vice President of the New England Community Action Partnership Board, Secretary of the Board of the Maine Association of Non-Profits, Public Policy Chairperson of the Aroostook Partnership Board, and is a past President of the Maine Community Action Partnership Board, in addition to serving on the Boards of Coastal Enterprises, Inc., and Katahdin Valley Health Center. 

In recent years Jason has served on both the Equity and Energy Committees of the Maine Climate Council and the State of Maine Legislature’s Criminal Records Review Committee. At the national level, Jason serves on the Excellence Commission and as a Peer Expert Corps Member for the National Community Action Partnership. Born in Canada and raised along the border in Maine’s northernmost region—the St. John Valley—Jason’s first language is French. He has been a leader in preserving, advancing, and promoting the area’s Acadian and Franco-American Culture. 

Breakout Session #1

1A – Working Together Downeast: 2Gen at 10: Family Futures Downeast’s 2Gen approach addresses the needs of both children and their parents to promote family well-being and economic security. Recognized nationally as a model for 2Gen programming, this model, set in post-secondary education, has made impacts on workers in education, social services and medical fields. Hear from participants about lessons learned after 10 years, including the impact on family economics and earnings. Focus will be on workforce outcomes of FFD families that impact Washington County, new approaches to continue to adapt to the needs of families, and next steps for FFD in its second decade.

1B – Self Employment: Navigating Challenges & Opportunities: For this session, we’ll be joined by small business owners familiar with the key issues and opportunities related to self-employment in Downeast Maine, particularly in fishing, farming, and forestry and those running very small businesses.

1C – Workplace Culture for Workforce Retention: Every workplace has a culture, but not every culture helps people feel connected and want to stay. In this session, we’ll explore what it truly means to build a healthy, people-first workplace where communication flows, trust grows, and folks feel valued for who they are. Hear how Washington County workplaces are creating cultures that support the whole person and strengthen retention across industries.

1D – Growing Our Own: STEM Education for a Homegrown Workforce: Discover how Washington County schools, CTE programs, and higher education partners are connecting STEM education to real-world opportunities. From aquaculture apprenticeships to space science projects, this session explores how hands-on learning prepares students for meaningful careers and helps build a homegrown workforce.

Breakout Session #2

2A – Housing Solutions for Small Communities: This panel explores how small towns are addressing housing shortages through municipal, nonprofit, and business partnerships. Discussion will focus on strategies to expand year-round housing that attracts and retains workers, strengthens local economies, and meets the unique needs of rural communities.

2B – Beyond the Bell: Investing in Local Solutions for Working Families: School is not the magical solution to childcare for working parents, and in fact, creates different stressors for families. Both parents work in half of all married-couple families, 70 percent work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, and 75 percent of women with school-aged children work. Families often struggle to solve this challenge, and when parents can’t afford or find child care, many of them cut back hours or leave the workforce entirely. This session will highlight those barriers and how parents are piecing it together, showcasing local efforts that can help support parents & workplaces.

2C – The Next Workforce: Engaging Youth Through Leadership and Entrepreneurship: Washington County’s future depends on the next generation of leaders, innovators, and community builders. This session explores how schools, youth organizations, and local partners are engaging high school students and young adults through leadership opportunities, civic engagement, and entrepreneurship education. From piloting entrepreneurship courses and hosting student-led business projects to expanding community spaces and pathways programs, we’ll highlight strategies that help young people see a future for themselves here. Join us to learn how investing in youth voice, skills, and creativity can strengthen our workforce pipeline and keep the next generation rooted in Washington County.

2D – Passamaquoddy Promise Neighborhood: Discover how the Passamaquoddy Promise Neighborhood (PPN) is strengthening children and families in Indian Township and beyond, guided by the wisdom and traditions of the Passamaquoddy people. Using the metaphor of brown ash basket making, this community-led initiative blends cultural knowledge with cradle-to-career supports. Learn how a two-year Early Implementation Grant is laying the foundation for a broader, five-year effort to uplift families across Washington County through connection, care, and collective responsibility.