UNITED WAY NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2026
We celebrated a huge milestone earlier this month: the ribbon cutting for the first United 4 Child Care center in South Portland. This new nonprofit will increase access to flexible, high-quality child care slots in Southern Maine, which means more kids can grow and learn while parents and caregivers work and build financial security.
This milestone was only made possible because donors chose to give to United Way, trusting us with the flexibility to invest where the need and opportunity were greatest.
UNITED 4 CHILD CARE IN THE MEDIA:
- MaineBiz – New child care center opens in South Portland, with Freeport on deck
- MainePublic – Child care center in South Portland set to open with a capacity for 90 kids
- NEWS CENTER Maine – New childcare center opens in South Portland
- WGME – New child care center in South Portland
- WMTW – New child care center opens in South Portland to help address statewide shortage
United 4 Child Care is an innovative solution to a tough community challenge, and it was made possible thanks to support from donors like you. Your support allowed United Way to bring the right partners and resources together to make this a reality.
With deep gratitude for all that you help make possible,
Dan Coyne
President & CEO
United Way of Southern Maine
KEEP MAINERS HOUSED
A home is more than just four walls – it’s safety, stability, and the foundation for everything else. But right now, 37% of households in Southern Maine are living paycheck to paycheck and one unexpected expense, like a medical bill or car repair, could cause them to lose their housing. The good news is that there are solutions.
United Way of Southern Maine’s Housing Crisis Response Fund supports immediate needs and long-term solutions: preventing homelessness before it starts, meeting urgent needs, and protecting our community’s most vulnerable.
In 2025, your support through United Way of Southern Maine helped:
- 376 families move from homelessness to housing;
- 2,438 households secure or maintain stable housing; and
- 597 older adults remain in their homes thanks to supportive services.
Your support will help strengthen our impact in 2026.
KEEP FAMILIES HOUSED
GIVE A MOTHER’S DAY GIFT THAT MATTERS
This Mother’s Day, give your mother—or grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, best friend, mentor—a gift that helps single mothers thrive. With a donation of $15 or more, Women United will send a heartfelt card to your recipient with a message that your donation support programs that put single mothers on a path to financial security.
SEND A CARD
MARGARITAS AND MOCKTAILS AT BIRD & CO.
Schedule your next happy hour hang-out at Bird & Co. and support community! This April, $1 from every Classic Margarita or Mixed Mocktail will be donated to United Way of Southern Maine. Cheers to doing good together!
Upcoming Events
Women United Happy Hour
April 30, 5-7 PM
O’Reilly’s Cure, Scarborough
Get to know Women United at a casual gathering on April 30! Connect with members and learn more about the giving circle’s impact on single moms in Southern Maine.
RSVP
SAVE THE DATE FOR DAY OF ACTION
Day of Action is the largest one-day mobilization of volunteers in Cumberland and York counties. Hundreds of volunteers from more than 50 local companies participate in volunteer projects with nonprofit partners across Southern Maine. This year’s event will take place on June 18, 2026. Roll up your sleeves and spend a day volunteering with community partners across Southern Maine.
LEARN MORE
BUILDING A STRONG FINANCIAL FUTURE: INSIGHTS AND STRATEGIES FROM CLEARSTEAD TRUST
Thursday, May 21, 10 AM
Join Clearstead Trust, United Way of Southern Maine’s Legacy sponsor, for guidance on navigating today’s financial landscape with confidence. Whether you’re just starting to think about your finances or looking to sharpen your existing approach, this session will provide you with insights and strategies to help you make more informed decisions for a strong financial future.
REGISTER