Dear Emerging Leaders United Members,
We are excited for warmer days and more opportunities to engage with you and share how your generosity creates lasting impact in Southern Maine. This newsletter is packed with reflections on what ELU members have been up to, stories of impact, and a look at what’s ahead.
Together, we’re not only supporting the youth of Southern Maine but also creating an environment where you can be more involved in your community and grow your network through philanthropy. Your involvement helps foster connections and collaborations that amplify our efforts to build a brighter future for Southern Maine. Let’s dive in!
INVESTMENT UPDATE: SHARE YOUR VOICE
Each spring, Emerging Leaders United opens our investment process to local nonprofits working to help children start strong and thrive in school, work, and life. Applications are in, and this month the Steering Committee will begin reviews — and they’d love to hear from you.
What do you value most when it comes to our community investments?
Take a moment to share your thoughts in short survey. Your input helps guide our decisions and keeps this work rooted in what matters to our members.
YOUR DOLLARS IN ACTION
Emerging Leaders United currently invests in three local programs that help foster a future where every child can reach their full potential: Our Place, Portland Community Squash, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine. Discover what your support makes possible!
Our Place, which provides out-of-school care, mentorship, and family advocacy support in Bayside, now engages 55 youth and family members—and counting! They recently moved to a new space that has tutoring rooms, food preparation space, music/T-shirt design lab, art studio, and large meeting for Mentorship Group Community Circle meetings.
When Our Place noticed students needed more academic support, they formed a new partnership with the USM Education Department. USM placed six students at Our Place to provide free academic tutoring.
Portland Community Squash completed a massive construction project in 2024 while still running full programs. Your ELU dollars support Rally Portland, a PCS program that provides squash lessons and academic support to middle and high school students. This spring, they’ve welcomed a 32% increase in participants. Many ELU members joined us for Game Changers night at PCS to play squash, learn about the program, and hear Rally Portland students share the incredible impact this program has had on them first hand.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine recently celebrated 50 years in South Portland and have a beautiful clubhouse where students take part in crochet, gym, cooking, fine arts, and STEM activities afterschool. When some youth had difficulty reaching the new location, ELU’s support allowed BGCSM to invest in transportation to help students get to the program. BGCSM also launched a “Walking School Bus” model where staff safely walk with students after school regardless of the weather.
Advocacy in Action: Get Involved and Use Your Voice!
Wednesday, May 14 | 12–1 PM
Join Jared Gay, director of public policy and advocacy at United Way, for a virtual introduction to advocacy at the state level. You’ll learn how to write and submit testimony, stay informed, and use your voice in meaningful ways. We will also provide updates on current state and local initiatives that align with Emerging Leaders United’s mission – so you can take action on the issues you care about.
STORYWALK IN WESTBROOK
Emerging Leaders United is proud to sponsor a StoryWalk on the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust Trail in Westbrook. A StoryWalk is an outdoor reading experience where pages from a children’s book are displayed along a path. Families can read the story while following the trail and enjoying nature.
We will install the Storywalk signs in the morning on April 24, and we need your help! Join us for this hands-on project to connect with other ELU members and spend some time out in nature after a long, snowy, rainy winter.
Sign up for more information.
Thank you for your ongoing membership and support. Let me know if you want to connect over coffee or have questions about how to get involved. I look forward to seeing you this spring!
Sincerely,
Mackenzie Staropoli
Senior Donor Engagement Manager, Giving Circles
(207) 347-2333
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
