Images from the
HIGH
LOW Project Exhibit on display at L/A Arts Gallery (221 Lisbon St., Lewiston).
The exhibit is available to view now through the end of November.
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Autumn 2018
Greetings!
Welcome to our Autumn 2018 issue of our e-newsletter!
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Keep reading to find stories of one youth's story of how connection helped him move from being in trouble with the law, to reunification with family, and ultimately a life of service in the Marine corps.
You will also read about new members who have joined our board, local and national recognition of our work, staff, and volunteers, and more!
Thank you for helping New Beginnings give youth at risk of Homelessness opportunities for the
safety,
connections, and
growth that they need to thrive.
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Can't join us Thursday?
View the exhibit at L/A Arts Gallery (221 Lisbon St., Lewiston) through the month of November
12 pm - 4 pm W / TH / F & 11 am to 3 pm on Saturdays.
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SHANE'S STORY
Connection Leads to Breakthrough
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For most teens, high school is a challenge, but for a young person like Shane* substance abuse and running with the wrong crowd landed him in Juvenile Detention, where he missed over a month of school.
*Youth’s name changed to protect confidentiality
Things were difficult at home before Shane’s arrest, which led to his mom’s refusal to take him in afterwards. After spending nearly a month in Juvenile detention, Shane’s probation officer offered him an alternative to more incarceration: New Beginnings.
New Beginnings operates the only 24-hour licensed shelter for youth (ages 12—19) in Maine. The shelter offers a safe supervised place for young people to stay for up to three weeks. During this three week period staff work with young people on reunifying with family, connecting with supportive services, and ultimately finding safe stable housing for each young person who walks through its doors—young people like Shane.
After arriving at New Beginnings, Shane struggled to adapt to the structure and expectations of the shelter.
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Dr. Josie, Molina Healthcare's 2018 Community Champion
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In September, Molina Healthcare named “Dr. Josie” Conte one of three of its 2018 Community Champions. Their annual program is designed to recognize individuals who positively impact their community. Dr. Josie was nominated for her tireless volunteer efforts to positively impact the lives of vulnerable and homeless youth in greater Lewiston-Auburn, ME.
Dr. Josie founded the wellness clinic and for the past 2 years has continued to operate free wellness clinic hours at New Beginnings’ Youth Outreach Drop-In Center for homeless youth. In addition to being named as a Community Champion, Dr. Josie received a $1,000 grant to give to a nonprofit organization of her choice, which she donated to New Beginnings to invest in the Wellness Clinic.
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Help make the holiday season brighter for homeless youth!
Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, every
December New Beginnings distributes holiday gifts to youth in
our programs in Lewiston, Augusta, and Farmington. This year we need your support to make it possible for 100 youth to each get a care package containing gifts and winter necessities.
SIGN-UP TO DONATE!
Call (207) 795-4077 or
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BOARD SPOTLIGHT
Meet the Newest Members of our Board of Directors
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Mike Giasson
Architect
“While working with New Beginnings professionally, I was moved by the dedication of staff. I believe that the need for New Beginnings services is great.”
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Caseigh Moody-Dabney
Customer Service Rep.
“I chose to join the Board of
Directors because New Beginnings helped me through some tough times, and I want
to be able to help them help
other youth.”
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Kelly Nelson
Human Resource Manager
“I am inspired by the impact New Beginnings makes in the lives of youth (and their families)—providing access to the resources they need to prosper and become self-reliant.”
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NEW BEGINNINGS ON THE NATIONAL STAGE
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In May, Topher Balderas, Outreach
Program Director was on Capitol Hill where he briefed members of Congress on key accomplishments and learnings from the Franklin County's 100-day project. During that project New Beginnings' and community members focused on: creating safe spaces, available 24-hours a day, for youth who are experiencing homelessness or who are in crisis; and creating a shared knowledge of the available resources for youth experiencing homelessness in Franklin County. A Way Home America, who recently partnered with New Beginnings on the 100-day challenge, organized the briefing which was co-hosted by a select group of Members of Congress
including U.S. Senator Susan Collins.
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This September, New Beginnings’ Executive Director, Chris Bicknell participated in a Think Tank in Washington D.C. The event brought together a select group of thought leaders from around the country to examine how under the strategic guidance of MANY, agencies like New Beginnings can work together to strengthen outcomes for youth and young adults at highest risk for victimization and/or delinquency.
We are incredibly proud that Chris was invited to share his knowledge of what works best for Maine’s homeless youth.
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Demonstration Project for LGBTQ+ Youth a Success
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The Maine Transitional Living Collaborative was a 24-month demonstration project that ended on September 30. The project was designed to provide comprehensive case management and housing specifically for LGBTQ+ youth in Androscoggin, Franklin, and Kennebec counties.
The goal was to assist 14 homeless LGBTQ+ youth. New Beginnings exceeded this number and assisted 19 homeless LGBTQ+ youth.
Most of the youth who come to us are dealing with a range of challenges that require several services. Beyond meeting the long-term housing needs of these 19 youth, we will continue to provide case management services for them in the Outreach Program to help address their ongoing needs.
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New Beginnings celebrated two of its own. Allie Smith, Educational Support Specialist and Rosie Moreau, Shelter Program Coordinator as they were honored at UPLIFT LA's 40 Under 40 Awards Ceremony.
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2018 Building LA Honoree
Allie Smith with Rachel Spencer-Reed, Director of Development and Community Services.
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2018 Local Hero Honoree
Rosie Moreau with Marian Carney, Shelter Director.
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Click here
for agency news briefs about staff promotions and new hires, renewed federal funding and recent grants, along with an announcement about a new mission & vision statement.
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Thank you to Cumberland Farms and to everyone who participated in the Grand Re-Opening of the Cumberland Farms (691 Main Street) partnership with New Beginnings. They donated 10 cents from every dispensed beverage purchased from 6/14—7/12 . The partnership raised $1,893 to support the youth of New Beginnings!
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We hosted another group of great volunteers from Androscoggin Bank and Northeast Bank (pictured). The volunteers helped paint at our Transitional Living Apartments, and to spruce up the grounds outside our Outreach Program as part of the United Way of Androscoggin County's 2018 Day of Caring. Thank you for making a difference!
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Thank you to our 2018 Annual Dinner Sponsors!
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For their generous support of our celebration.
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Serving runaway and homeless youth and their families since 1980.
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New Beginnings is funded in part by the State of Maine and US Departments of Health and Human Services,
Family and Youth Services Bureau, Housing & Urban Development, and United Way.
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