mPower Yourself!
The Right Equipment Makes All The Difference
mPowered by Kim Wallace
The mPower loan fund is known as the Kim Wallace Adaptive Equipment Loan Program. Kim Wallace attended public schools in Hallowell. He graduated from the University of Maine at Orono in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Studies.
Kim became quadriplegic as a result of a spinal cord injury sustained in 1979. This event launched his career as an advocate for disability rights. As Augusta branch manager for Alpha One, Kim was the driving force behind a bond issue to create the Kim Wallace Adaptive Equipment Loan Program. Now called mPower, the loan program has been supported by two bond issues passed by Maine voters. This makes mPower the only citizen-funded loan program of its type in the nation. Loans totaling more than $8 million have been made to individuals and businesses in the last decade.
Kim continued to work diligently for Maine's disabled population, championing the cause of accessibility, mobility and quality of life, until his death in July of 2000.
Because of Kim Wallace's hard work and vision, this program continues to open doors for Maine citizens with disabilities.