LearningWorks Newsletter: July 2026

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Equipping Maine learners with the confidence and skills to realize their full potential

July 2026

Dear Friends & Supporters,

Like most non-profits, our organization is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors. All of our volunteer board members invest their time, talent, and treasure because of their convictions about the impact of our mission and programs. This is a period of transition for this vitally important body. Last month, we bid farewell to two longstanding board members – Eben Jose and Richard Price. Both have made significant contributions during their tenure, including their service as Chair and Secretary, respectively. We are grateful for all that they have done to support LearningWorks. As we bid them farewell, we are excited that five new members have joined our board: Ronald Brulotte, Mark Gartside, Andy Osheroff, Matt Prunier, and Leah Wallof. You can learn more about them on our website and in our social media posts. We appreciate the ongoing efforts of our board to embrace our proud history and to steer us toward a bright future.

Peace,

Thomas McLaughlin – Executive Director

Tara (Vice Chair) & Tom (ED) present plaques to Richard & Eben.

After School

In early June, we were awarded two renewal grants from the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program that is overseen by the Maine Department of Education (DOE). This funding will enable us to sustain our no-cost after school programs in Biddeford and Saco. We are grateful for the support of the Maine DOE and our partnering school districts, and look forward to our ongoing collaboration.

Last month, all of our locations were busy wrapping up school year programs and preparing for the summer experience. Summer programs got underway this week and are off to a great start. We are confident that the six weeks ahead will be filled with discovery, joy, and learning.

Service Works

SW participants have been working at Community Roots Farm, a Biddeford nonprofit that donates all of its produce to local food pantries, including our wonderful partner Youth Full Maine. We have been weeding, mulching, planting, and harvesting. Our participants have been excellent helpers at these two volunteer sites. They have especially enjoyed harvesting, as you can tell!

Members of our SW team recently attended the 2026 New England Youth Diversion Summit in Concord, NH. The theme of this year’s summit was “Empowering Communities for Brighter Futures.” Staff attended a keynote on using science to maximize youth success, learned about widespread efforts to shift from punitive diversion to a community-based restorative model, listened to regional perspectives on youth development, and explored mindfulness to support youth resilience and foster well-being.

YouthBuild

The YB team has been gearing up for the incoming cohort of new students, our largest ever in program history. We are eager for them to get started soon.

Tori Morrill, our YB Director, was recently selected as one of fourteen YouthBuild Global Leadership Fellows from around the world. Fellows are selected for their proven records with youth development and their ongoing commitment to the YB model. The fellowship provides opportunities for directors to strengthen their leadership and organizational skills, build community, and enhance collective efforts to advance YB. This yearlong commitment involves both virtual and in-person meetings.

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LearningWorks Newsletter: July 2026

Equipping Maine learners with the confidence and skills to realize their full potential

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