New services for survivors

The Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MECASA) has announced two new services for survivors of sexual harassment and assault: text support and chat support.

In addition to the statewide sexual assault helpline, people can text the helpline number, 1-800-871-7741, or go to mecasa.org to chat with an advocate. These services are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Support includes free, private support from a trained sexual assault advocate, information and resources that can help with next steps in healing or criminal justice proceedings and referrals for longer-term support like mental health help.

The new services are yet to be available 24-hours due to limited funding. The helpline is available 24 hours.

For more information, visit mecasa.org/onlinehelp/.

‘Essentials of College Planning’ workshops

PARIS — The Maine Educational Opportunity Center will host free workshops, “Essentials of College Planning,” for adults age 19 and older at the following times and locations:

Paris: 10 and 11:30 a.m. Monday, April 23, at Western Maine University & Community College Center, 232 Main St.

Rumford: 10 and 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 26, at University College Rumford/Mexico, 60 Lowell St.

Lewiston: 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 8, and Friday, May 18, at Lewiston CareerCenter, 5 Mollison Way.

Wilton: 10 and 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 16, at Wilton CareerCenter, 865 U.S. Route 2 East.

To register or for more information, call 1-800-281-3703, or visit meoc.maine.edu.