Program Highlights + Agency Update

Our offices and all in-person programming are suspended until further notice.

At this time, our offices will remain closed and we will continue to operate our programs virtually until further notice.  We are closely monitoring the situation and will update our community regularly.

These are confusing, anxiety-filled, and uncertain times for all of us. For 53 years, our organization has adapted to meet the needs of our community, and we continue to adapt now. Here are just a few ways that we’re educating Southern Maine, at home:

• So far, in May, our English Language + Literacy program has trained 6 new tutors and has matched 4 of them with students — one pair already “met” for a lesson — all via Zoom!
• Our LearningWorks Afterschool team has delivered over 350 fun, no-tech, hands-on STEM kits to their students from Portland to Waterboro. These kits included basic learning supplies as well as a fun math game including M&Ms (see above)! In Waterboro, LWAS teachers are offering weekly, virtual yoga classes. In South Portland, teachers are continuing their current bridge unit. Students engineered bridges using coins and then got feedback from our teachers through a personalized audio recording! Our team is working hard to keep kids engaged, hopeful and supported during this period of learning from home.
• Youth Building Alternatives has moved to virtual learning.  Students continue to meet in groups and receive one-on-one instruction. They workout and meditate via Zoom each week, work closely with their instructors to stay on track with academic and career goals, and construction and culinary arts instruction are still going strong. Students have been receiving grocery deliveries from our staff, including Hannaford gift cards thanks to our partners at JMG! They then participate in virtual cooking lessons with Chef Mo. Students have made Hoisin Chicken and Rice, No-Bake Cookies and homemade pizzas!