Whether a New Year’s resolution or a long-standing passion project looking to finally come off the back burner, the new year is a chance to get out there and get involved in the Portland community.
With plenty of non-profit organizations looking for additional helping hands, here are just three ways to give back this month, including volunteer programs, fundraisers, and/or donation opportunities.
Welcome to our Community Corner! We will be using this space to connect you to ways to give back and /or get involved in Greater Portland. If you have a fundraiser, volunteer sign-up, or cause you’d like us to know about, email us at [email protected]
Volunteer - Youth & Family Outreach
Empowering children and their families since 1850, Youth & Family Outreach operates a full-day, full-year non- profit early care and education program serving children six weeks to five years of age and their families with the primary goal to alleviate the effects of poverty, ensure children are prepared to succeed in K-12 education, and care-givers complete their education and enter the workforce.
Understanding the importance of childhood education and a child’s first teacher, Youth & Family Outreach offers a number of different classrooms to which families can enroll, including Pre-K, Preschool, Toddler and Waddler, and Tykes.
This only skims the surface of what Youth & Family Outreach does! To learn more head here.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you are considering volunteering with Youth and Family Outreach in their classrooms, they ask that you be able to commit to no less than 6 months.
Assisting on field trips
Reading to children
One-on-one with a child that needs extra attention
Sharing a special talent, interest or skill with classrooms
Clean up around the building and the neighborhood
Landscaping both one- time projects and ongoing
Volunteering for fundraising events
Sign up to volunteer online here.
Unable to volunteer? Make a donation to You & Family Outreach here.
Donate - Milestone Recovery
Offering help and hope for those experiencing homelessness and substance use, Milestone Recovery has been a leader in the front lines of substance use disorder treatment since 1967. Over the last fifty-six years they have improved and expanded their services to include residential treatment, emergency shelter, housing navigators, HOME Team, and recovery housing. With an emphasis on compassion, partnership, connection and equity, Milestone Recovery looks to empower individuals experiencing substance use disorders, mental illnesses and homelessness to attain an enhanced quality of life regardless of ability to pay.
For Milestone Recovery’s full story, including their history, their vision and their current programs, head to their website here.
To make a donation to Milestone Recovery, you can do so online here.
Special Events - Congin Night at The Maine Celtics
Combine your love for basketball with your love for giving back by joining the Congin School PTO for a fun night at the Maine Celtics this January! A portion of the tickets go right back to the Congin School PTO which supports fun school activities and supplies for staff at Congin School in Westbrook. The Congin School PTO will also be at the game selling 50/50 raffle tickets. Ticket link here.
When: Sunday, January 22nd, 2023 5 PM – 8PM.
Where: Portland Expo at 239 Park Avenue, Portland
