The pandemic challenged educators, care providers, families, and kids across our community, leading to learning loss and other compounding issues. That’s when our community stepped in. Avesta Housing partnered with United Way’s Brick & Beam Society and other organizations to open a weekly Remote Learning Program where students like Yancel access meals, high speed internet, tutors, and a safe environment for students to thrive.

Support during a difficult time helped Nelma stay hopeful, and now she’s doing the same for others. When Nelma’s family moved to Maine, she and her sister stayed at Preble Street’s Teen Shelter and she became connected with Portland Adult Education’s Street Academy. Street Academy helped Nelma enroll in the Learn to Earn program, leading to employment and finding her passion to help others. She is now enrolled in Southern Maine Community College and hopes to become a physician’s assistant. Read Nelma’s story.

In a year when more people have died of drug overdose, Brooks and Courtney, from Home Team, have seen a greater need for human connection. The duo seeks out people experiencing homelessness or substance use disorder. Together with the Portland PD, Milestone Recovery Center, and other organizations, Home Team attempts to connect with as many individuals as they can to distribute water and food, connect to services, make medical referrals, or simply to start a conversation.