As summer winds down and we look toward fall, Emerging Leaders United is kicking off another year of connection, service, and impact across Southern Maine.
Together, ELU members are helping the next generation realize their full potential by investing in local organizations, volunteering in our community, and building a network of emerging leaders committed to making a difference. Thank you for being part of it!
$94,553 Invested in Southern Maine Youth
Thanks to the generosity of members and corporate partners, Emerging Leaders United is investing $94,553 in five local organizations this year to support programs that create opportunities for young people to learn, grow, build meaningful relationships, and thrive.
This year’s investment partners are:
- Our Place Portland: Year-round afterschool and summer programs for youth in East Bayside, Portland.
- Intercultural Community Center: Academic support and enrichment opportunity for local students through Power School, an innovative afterschool program.
- My Place Teen Center: Leadership and skill development through Youth Leadership Academy.
- Center for Grieving Children: Intercultural peer support and outreach for children and families experiencing loss.
- Woodfords Family Services: Music and movement programming for Pre-K and K-5 students with disabilities.
These investments are made possible by you. Every gift contributes to our collective impact and helps more young people across our region realize their full potential.
Developing the Next Generation of Leaders
ELU’s Leadership Development Program provides emerging professionals with a year of learning, relationship building, and community engagement, thanks to sponsorships by their employers.
This year, participants have taken part in an ALICE activity, stepping into the shoes of local households navigating difficult financial choices and having an in-depth discussion on some of our community’s biggest challenges. They also joined United Way’s Tocqueville Society Spring Event at DiMillo’s in May, connecting with community and philanthropic leaders from across Southern Maine.
Along the way, cohort members have built relationships with their mentors and one another, expanding their networks and gaining new perspectives on leadership and community impact.
We’re excited for what’s still ahead as they continue their LDP experience this fall!
Thank you to BerryDunn and Systems Engineering for investing in the next generation of community leaders. Interested in learning more? Send me a message!
Summer Meet-up + Backpack Drive
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Belleflower Brewing for our summer meetup! It was a great opportunity to reconnect, welcome new faces, and kick off the year ahead.
We also want to thank everyone who contributed to our backpack drive benefiting Our Place, an ELU partner that provides a safe, supportive community where young people can build relationships, develop skills, and access opportunities to thrive.
Together, ELU members and friends collected new backpacks for middle and high school students as they prepare for the new school year.
Thank you to everyone who donated, shared the drive with friends and colleagues, or helped us spread the word!
Build Connections and Grow Your Financial Knowledge
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 • 8:30-9:30 AM
Cumberland Club, Portland
Free
United Way and Clearstead Trust invite you to start your morning with a delicious breakfast, networking, and conversation about setting your family up for success and sustaining wealth across generations. Clearstead’s knowledgeable staff will share the key financial, legal, and family governance considerations that help families preserve and transfer generational wealth.
This event is part of a financial education series presented in partnership with Clearstead Trust. Register for this and future events using the link below.
There are plenty of ways to engage with ELU in the months ahead, whether you volunteer alongside fellow members, introduce someone new to ELU, or continue supporting our collective impact.
We’re excited for what’s next and grateful to have you as part of this community.
Together, we’re helping the next generation realize their full potential.
Mackenzie Staropoli
Director, Donor Engagement
United Way of Southern Maine
