2022 – 2023 Community Report

This Report Includes

From Kittery to Freeport, from Sanford to Bridgton, Southern Maine is a great place to live and work for many, but we don’t need to look far to see many are not doing well. From food insecurity to housing, from children from historically disadvantaged communities falling behind in school to the shortage of affordable child care, from mental health challenges to addiction crises, the community problems are all around us. But thankfully, so are the solutions.

Our community faces complex and interconnected challenges that no one organization alone can address. But when united, we can tackle the root causes of barriers holding people back. And thanks to your support in 2022, we did what United Way of Southern Maine does best: We brought together the ideas and resources of partners, organizations, donors, advocates, and volunteers for the common purpose of improving the lives of people in Southern Maine.

But there is still work to be done. The vital work we do requires partners and leaders like you to stand with us as we continue to build a community where children have a strong start and succeed in life, adults are empowered to pursue careers with sustainable wages, and individuals have access to the mental health services and substance use treatment they need to thrive.

Here’s What Your Contribution to United Way Made Possible

4,656

Callers referred to mental health and addiction resources in Southern Maine by United Way-supported 211 Maine.

237

Community members in Southern Maine were trained in Mental Health First Aid, and 188 where trained in understanding and treating trauma.

537

Local teens received mental health services through United Way-funded programs.

1,668

Households received emergency heating assistance through the Keep ME Warm Fund.

$4.5M

In Federal funds secured and administered to house migrants in Southern Maine.

$127,715

Invested in programs that help people secure permanent housing.

Advocacy

For affordable housing, free community college, work eligibility for asylum seekers, & heating payment assistance.

85

Local individuals increased their wages and access to benefits and 64 individuals earned a job-related credential in 2022 through United Way-funded job training programs.

300K

Meals and counting for individuals and families temporarily houses in hotels.

81

Individuals in southern Maine earned their Child Development Associate credential.

92%

Of children (402) in United Way-funded programs met developmental milestones before kindergarten.

$285,270

Invested in early childhood centers and $90,000 to train and consult educators on managing challenging behaviors.

Mental Health

Headlines continue to highlight a troubling reality: we are losing too many neighbors, too early, to preventable conditions. Now more than ever, we need to connect those in need with mental health and substance use treatment, resources, and services that help them begin and stay on their recovery journey. Our entire community – individuals, families, workplaces – benefit when we help everyone live longer – better.

What We Are Facing:

19,543

Emergency room visits in Southern Maine in 2022 for suicidal ideation and attempts.

231

People in Southern Maine died of a drug overdose in 2022.

36%

Of high school students in Southern Maine report signs of depression.

Our Strategy For mental Health

United Way of Southern Maine helps people live longer by focusing on several factors that affect health and well-being, including mental health; suicide prevention; and substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery solutions. Strategies range from school-based health clinics to peer support programs to work that reduces exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which have a profound impact on future learning, behavior, and overall well-being. This work advances Thrive2027 Goal 3.

What UWSM is doing:

4,656

Callers referred to mental health and addiction resources in Southern Maine by United Way-supported 211 Maine.

237

Community members in Southern Maine were trained in Mental Health First Aid, and 188 where trained in understanding and treating trauma.

537

Local teens received mental health services through United Way-funded programs.

Lives Your Donation Impacts

United for Mental Health

At the Day One Street Program, Cheryl and Annie provide low-barrier mental health and substance counseling to unhoused teens, including many asylum seekers, LGBTQ youth, and teens who have experienced incarceration or been in foster care. Support from United Way of Southern Maine allows Cheryl and Annie to build relationships and trust with teens—so they can connect them with the resources they need to live longer, better lives.

Food & Housing

When people earn enough income to pay for their basics like healthy food, housing, and heat, they can find the stability they need to build savings and gain assets. The financial stability of every individual and family from Southern Maine is essential to the vibrancy and equity of our community.

What we are facing:

133,115

People rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Southern Maine.

15,969

Calls were made to 211 Maine requesting heating fuel assistance in 2022.

47%

Of renters in Southern Maine spend more than 30% of their income on housing.

$2,244

More to housing someone in the Portland city shelter without services than to provide stable housing in a one-bedroom apartment with services.

OUR STRATEGY FOR FOOD & HOUSING

United Way of Southern Maine mobilizes nonprofits, government, businesses, and funders to ensure more people have the education and employment opportunities and resources to protect themselves against a crisis, while gaining long-term assets like a home or business. This work advances Thrive2027 Goal 2.

WHAT UWSM IS DOING:

1,668

Households received emergency heating assistance through the Keep ME Warm Fund.

$4.5M

In Federal funds secured and administered to house migrants in Southern Maine.

$127,715

Invested in programs that help people secure permanent housing.

Advocacy

For affordable housing, free community college, work eligibility for asylum seekers, & heating payment assistance.

85

Local individuals increased their wages and access to benefits and 64 individuals earned a job-related credential in 2022 through United Way-funded job training programs.

300K

Meals and counting for individuals and families temporarily houses in hotels.

Child Care

High-quality child care strengthens the workforce and local economy by allowing parents to work, go to school or receive training, and pay their bills. Early years are also the foundation for a child’s future development and success, providing a strong base for lifelong learning and learning abilities, including cognitive and social development.

What We Are Facing:

>50%

Of child care centers and family providers have a waiting list.

57%

Of early child care centers in Maine have staff shortages.

$10,576

Is the average cost per child for child care in Southern Maine.

$31,000

Is the average salary of an Early Childhood Educator

OUR STRATEGY FOR CHILD CARE

The entire community plays a role in transforming children into educated, healthy, independent adults, which is why United Way of Southern Maine unites businesses, government, nonprofits, foundations, and individuals to increase opportunities and resources to support children’s healthy development, address families’ basic needs, encourage family engagement, and increase literacy. United Way also strengthens systems of support by investing in quality early childhood centers, professional development, and child care entrepreneurship. This work advances Thrive2027 Goal 1.

WHAT UWSM IS DOING:

81

Individuals in Southern Maine earned their Child Development Associate credential.

92%

Of children (402) in United Way-funded programs met developmental milestones before kindergarten.

$285,270

Invested in early childhood centers and $90,000 to train and consult with early childhood educators in managing challenging behaviours.

Lives Your Donation Impacts

United for Child Care

When Molly and Sam experienced a sudden health crisis, they needed to find care for their daughter Violet right away. Fortunately, Youth and Family Outreach (YFO) had a spot for them.

All Maine families should have access to high-quality, reliable child care. United Way of Southern Maine invests in early education centers and programs like YFO so that Maine children have the foundation for success and parents can work or pursue their education.

thrive2027

United Way of Southern Maine provides staff and additional support beyond funding to community efforts, like Thrive2027, that take us one step closer to creating the region we envision — a community where people have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

Goal 1 — Early Learning

Headline Indicator: By 2027, reduce the reading proficiency gap to no more than 10 percentage points between all third-grade students and students from populations with historical inequities.

Baseline: The disparity between all students and specific groups ranges between 20-24%.

Goal 2 — Financial Stability

Headline Indicator: By 2027, 70% of households pay less than 30% of their income on housing.

Baseline: 65% of households pay less than 30% of their income on housing.

Goal 3 — Healthy Lives

Headline Indicator: By 2027, reduce preventable premature deaths by 10%.

Baseline: 6,128 Years of Potential Life Lost per 100,000 people.

Data

Explore Thrive2027 data in this interactive Data Dashboard. The dashboard presents the most recently available related to each goal, allowing you to track our community’s progress and see data breakdowns by race or income level.

Take Action for a Thriving Southern Maine

Thanks to the 7,369 donors, 517 volunteers, and dozens of advocates like you, our community has a solid foundation and stands strong to reach our community’s shared vision where everyone can thrive.