New nonprofit launches innovative solutions to strengthen Southern Maine’s child care ecosystem.
United 4 Child Care, a new child care nonprofit created through innovative community collaboration, officially opened a new child care center in South Portland today during a press conference and ribbon cutting hosted by United Way of Southern Maine, the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, and other regional partners.
The event brought together child care providers, employers, parents, and community leaders to spotlight the urgent needs facing families and the collaborative solutions underway to address workforce shortages and support providers.
Southern Maine continues to experience significant shortages in affordable, high-quality child care—placing strain on working families, employers, and the regional economy. Fifty-nine percent of ALICE households with children ages 3–4 are not enrolled in preschool, limiting access to early learning experiences essential for long-term success.
United 4 Child Care was created to address those challenges head-on.
“Today marks an important milestone for families, providers, and employers across Southern Maine,” said Quincy Hentzel, board chair of United 4 Child Care. “The United 4 Child Care Center is a direct result of partners coming together to design modern, community-driven solutions that strengthen the system as a whole.”
United Way of Southern Maine serves as an innovative collaborator in driving this work forward, helping bring partners together, explore new models, and align resources around strategies that support both the child care workforce and the families who rely on it.
“Child care is essential infrastructure, and we need bold, collaborative approaches to meet the needs of today’s families and employers,” said Dan Coyne, president and CEO, United Way of Southern Maine. “United 4 Child Care reflects what is possible when partners think creatively, listen to providers, and build solutions designed for long-term impact.”
More Than Child Care Slots: Strengthening the Entire Ecosystem
United 4 Child Care will do more than create affordable slots. Its long-term goal is to strengthen the entire child care ecosystem by supporting the workforce and filling operational gaps through shared services such as substitute teacher pools, employee benefits, training resources, and administrative or technical assistance for providers.
These solutions are designed to help stabilize the sector, reduce burnout, and expand capacity across the region.
At the event, speakers from Growing Learners, local employers, and parents described the real-world impact of access challenges and the promise of the new partnership.
A Community Driven Solution
Speakers at the event highlighted the critical role of collaborative problem-solving and the urgency of addressing child care challenges through systems-focused strategies.
The opening of the United 4 Child Care Center represents one of the first major milestones of the new nonprofit, with additional initiatives planned in the coming year.
About United 4 Child Care
United 4 Child Care is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Southern Maine’s child care ecosystem through innovative, collaborative solutions. By supporting providers, addressing workforce shortages, and expanding access to child care, United 4 Child Care works to ensure every child and family has the opportunity to thrive.
About United Way of Southern Maine
United Way of Southern Maine mobilizes communities to action so all people can thrive. True to our founding spirit, we respond whenever there is a need, listening closely, acting quickly, and addressing both emerging challenges and longstanding barriers that hold people back. We take a comprehensive, community-centered approach to improving lives across Southern Maine. Our regional reach allows us to share innovations, scale what works, and strengthen local resilience while advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security. Together with partners, we are working toward a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential. Learn more at uwsme.org.
About The Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce is the voice and advocate for the region’s business community. Serving as a catalyst for economic development, collaboration, and civic leadership, the Chamber works to ensure a vibrant and prosperous future for Greater Portland.
