NORWAY — Norway Savings Bank announces the second annual Patricia Weigel Pay It Forward Award has been given to Safe Voices.

The nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting and empowering those affected by domestic violence, human sex trafficking and sexual exploitation, and engaging the community in creating social change in Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties.

The Patricia Weigel Pay It Forward Award was created in December 2021 to honor then chief executive officer, Pat Weigel, who has been dedicated to community impact throughout her long career in banking. Weigel retired from the bank at the end of 2021, but remains connected as chairwoman of the board of directors.

The bank’s 300 employees chose Safe Voices from dozens of organizations they volunteered for during the previous year.

“We are pleased and honored to have been considered alongside the many other worthy organizations that were also candidates for this award,” Elise Johansen, executive director of Safe Voices, said. “Norway Savings is an important partner for us, not only in dollars donated, but also in terms of volunteerism and other forms of support.”

“I’m incredibly humbled to be part of such a meaningful award, and I’m especially proud of the Norway Savings Bank employees for their wisdom in recognizing these outstanding organizations,” Weigel said. “Safe Voices and last year’s Pay It Forward Award winner, Maine Children’s Cancer Program, are both truly impactful to large numbers of Maine residents.”

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