Your support = big change |
UNITED WAY NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2023 |
|
|
|
|
Your support leads to big change. Thanks to generous contributions from people like you, United Way of Southern Maine will invest $6.1M into our community this year.
Our staff and a team of trained volunteer investment reviewers direct community contributions to the programs and initiatives that will have the biggest impact. These investments lead to solutions to persistent issues, including child care shortages, food insecurity, housing instability, and mental health challenges, that hold people back from achieving financial stability and leading healthy lives. That includes United Way-led programming such as 211 Maine, CA$H Greater Portland, Biddeford Ready!, and the Greater Portland Workforce Initiative. |
These investments lead to community change and that change is only possible because of supporters like you. Thank you! |
Investing in Early Education |
We invest contributions like yours in high-quality early education centers and programs like Youth and Family Outreach. All Maine families should have access to high-quality, reliable child care so that children have the foundation for success and parents can work or pursue their education.
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. |
United We CAN Food Drive + Sculpture Contest |
September 15, Thompson’s Point 8 AM-Noon Save the date for United We CAN Food Drive + Sculpture Contest on September 15 at Thompson’s Point! Gather a team at your workplace to build a can sculpture, drop off a food donation, or just stop by and enjoy the fun. |
Running a United Way campaign at your workplace? Find everything you need to lead a successful campaign in UWSM's Campaign Toolkit! From campaign timelines, to email templates, impact videos to fundraising event ideas, we have you covered. Open the toolkit at uwsme.org/campaign-toolkit/. |
Brick & Beam Invests in Summer Learning |
Brick & Beam Society, a giving circle of United Way, invested $10,000 in two STEAM-focused programs this benefiting high-need youth populations. Our Place Portland ($5,000) for a free 4-week summer camp serving 40 campers ages 5-12 in Portland’s East Bayside neighborhood. Campers will explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) concepts, including engineering, sustainability, and geology through field trips and projects. Westbrook School Department: Rise & Shine Program ($5,000) to provide incoming kindergarten students with book bags that have math and literacy materials, including culturally appropriate books, journals, crayons and markers, and enrichment activities and games.
|
Request for Proposals: Brick & Beam Community Investments |
Brick & Beam Society is now accepting funding applications for its FY24 Community Investments. They are seeking proposals that:
Brick & Beam Society supports high-impact, sustainable, and replicable projects that use innovative, holistic, collaborative approaches, and advance racial equity. All proposals must align with Thrive2027 priorities. The deadline for applications is Friday, August 25, 2023. |
Promote Literacy as a Volunteer Reader |
Help set early elementary grade students on a path to success by sharing a love for reading. We are seeking Volunteer Readers for the 2023-24 school year to support ongoing reader programs at local elementary schools. Fill out the interest form and a United Way staff person will contact you. No experience is required, training is provided. |
Brick & Beam Summer Happy Hour |
August 24, 5:30 PM Belleflower Brewing Company, Portland Join Brick & Beam Society at Belleflower Brewing Company and learn more about this giving circle’s impact! Connect with Brick & Beam Society members, enjoy a brew, and learn about Brick & Beam’s work to advance STEAM and literacy opportunities for kids in Southern Maine. |
United Way of Southern Maine is where the community comes together to help children, individuals, and families in ways that create a brighter future for all. |
United Way of Southern Maine 550 Forest Ave, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 www.uwsme.org |
|
|
|
|