What it does
Our mission is to unlock the inherent potential of every young person, while empowering them to thrive.
COMPASS: In 2024, the Compass after school program at Midcoast Youth Center continued to be a safe, supportive space where teens gathered daily for mentorship, meals, and enriching activities. Youth participated in creative arts, STEM workshops, life skills sessions, fitness, and service projects. The program helped build strong relationships with caring adults, offered consistent academic and emotional support, and fostered a sense of belonging among middle and high school students. Several youth-led initiatives and community partnerships further expanded opportunities for growth and leadership. This year, we surpassed 650 students who visited our Teen Center! This is the largest number to date.
MERRYMEETING: In 2024, the Merrymeeting Support Collaborative played a critical role in identifying and supporting youth experiencing homelessness across the region. Through coordinated outreach, school partnerships, and wraparound services, the collaborative helped connect dozens of youth with housing support, case management, basic needs, and educational stability. The teams trauma-informed, youth-centered approach led to increased school attendance, improved mental health outcomes, and greater access to stable housing. The collaborative also strengthened relationships with local landlords and service providers, ensuring a more responsive and connected support network for vulnerable youth. We now have outreach workers in 4 school districts, working with the McKinney Vento Liaisons to identify and support youth. To date, we have served 109 people, 61 of them youth between the ages of 5-18, and an additional 45 unaccompanied youth.
WAYPOINT: The Waypoint Mentoring Program at Midcoast Youth Center continued to provide consistent, meaningful relationships between caring adult mentors and youth navigating personal and academic challenges. In 2024, the program successfully matched numerous youth with trained mentors, focusing on building trust, confidence, and long-term goals. Mentoring sessions included one-on-one check-ins, skill-building activities, and community outings that fostered connection and resilience. Participants reported improved emotional well-being, increased school engagement, and stronger communication skills. Waypoints trauma-informed, strength-based approach helped guide youth toward positive pathways and empowered them to envision brighter futures. We onboarded a new cohort of 7th graders in spring '25 while we celebrated our largest class of graduating seniors to date! Our senior cohort enjoyed a trip to New York City to celebrate.