By Anita Ruff, Oasis Free Clinics Executive Director
When people hear the word “philanthropist,” they often imagine someone famous or incredibly wealthy. That’s what we often see in the news — someone with a foundation giving away millions or unveiling a building with their name on it. Those folks make big impact and can bring transformational change to a community.
But here’s the truth: You don’t have to be wealthy to be a philanthropist. In fact, I see the most powerful kind of philanthropy happening every day in our Midcoast Maine community. For more than a decade, Sandy Kauffman and Michael Doucette, the longtime owners of Just Framing in Bath, have been regular donors to Oasis Free Clinics. Each month, they make an online gift, and over the years, that steady, generous giving has added up to over $10,000. That’s $10,000 that’s gone directly to helping their uninsured neighbors access medical, dental, mental health and eye care services — all free of charge.
Sandy and Michael are philanthropists in the truest sense. They give not because they have to but because they believe in what Oasis stands for — health care as a human right. Their support reminds us that you don’t need a fortune to make a difference. You just need to care — and to act.
Small gifts, big impact
At Oasis, more than 75% of our budget comes from donations. And a significant chunk comes from individuals who give $250 or less per year. That’s about $20 per month. That’s powerful. It tells me that our community is full of everyday givers whose collective support creates real change.
These gifts help keep the lights on, pay for dental and medical supplies, and provide essential medications. They help us provide almost 1,600 patient visits each year, deliver dental care to those who’ve gone without it for too long, help patients see clearly and support patients through mental health counseling — something more important now than ever.
It’s tempting to think that only large donations make a dent. And they do matter, don’t get me wrong. But Sandy and Michael prove otherwise. Their consistency — month after month, year after year — has helped us build a reliable foundation of care.
A safety net for those without one
Despite progress in expanding health coverage, thousands of Mainers still fall through the cracks. They work hard — often at multiple part-time jobs — but don’t have access to insurance.
Others are self-employed, in between coverage, or facing difficult life circumstances. For them, Oasis is the safety net. We provide care with dignity, without sliding scales or copays. Our patients never receive a bill. That kind of care — kind, consistent and free — is only possible because of the generous people in our community who choose to give.
The role of young people in philanthropy
I also want to highlight another group of changemakers: young people. We sometimes hear from students or early-career professionals who worry that their $5 or $10 monthly gift won’t matter. But it does. Not only do those gifts add up over time, but they also signal something bigger — a commitment to building a culture of generosity and shared responsibility.
Young donors are often our most passionate advocates. They share our mission on social media, bring friends to our events, volunteer their time and raise awareness in ways that ripple far beyond the size of their gift. They are not just the future of philanthropy—they are a vital part of it right now.
We need their voices, their energy and their belief that the world can be better — and that we each have a role to play in making it so.
More than money
Philanthropy isn’t only about money. It’s about showing up, speaking up, and standing with your neighbors. At Oasis, we see that kind of generosity every day — from our volunteers, our board members, our care providers and, yes, our donors.
Sandy and Michael give financially, but they also give from the heart. Their story shows what’s possible when people root their giving in compassion and commitment. As Sandy said to me when I told her about the collective impact of their contributions, “I, too, have been pleasantly surprised at what relatively small, consistent contributions can become over time.”
And that’s something anyone can do.
How you can join us
If Sandy and Michael’s story inspires you, consider becoming a monthly donor to Oasis. It’s easy to set up on our website. Whether it’s $5, $25 or $50 a month, your support becomes part of a growing community of people committed to a healthier, more equitable Midcoast Maine.
Ten dollars a month helps us provide toothbrushes, floss and toothpaste. Twenty-five dollars covers a prescription; $50 contributes to a dental cleaning for someone who hasn’t seen a dentist in years. Every dollar matters. Every donor matters. You don’t have to give big to give meaningfully. In fact, some of the most impactful gifts come from those who simply refuse to stand by while others go without care.
So, here’s my invitation: Join us. Be a philanthropist. No matter your age or your income, you have the power to make a difference. To learn more or to become a donor, visit oasisfreeclinics.org/donate.
Together, we can build a community where everyone has access to the care they need — because of people like you.
Oasis Free Clinics is a nonprofit, no-cost primary care medical practice and dental clinic providing exceptional, patient-centered care to uninsured members of our community. For more information, please call 721-9277 or visit OasisFreeClinics.org.
Anita Ruff is the executive director of Oasis Free Clinics.
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