Dear Women United Supporters,

Spring is finally here (well, the Maine version of spring anyway) and it brings a flurry of activity and opportunities. I’m eager to share all the news but, above all else, want to thank each of you for the support you give Women United: your dollars, time, and energy. As a working mom, I can truly appreciate how valuable these resources are and deeply appreciate you being part of this community.

Your dollars bring impact

Wondering how your donations are being put to use? Our community partners are halfway through the current funding cycle and shared updates on their work supporting single mothers and their families:

• Women United was thrilled to collectively raise $295,000 in the 2023 campaign to invest in advancing single mothers and their children in our communities. Our volunteer investment committee is currently reviewing funding opportunities and will release decisions in the coming months – stay tuned to hear about the fantastic programs we’ll get to support!
• Anchoring Youth to Succeed, the Women United supported program run jointly by Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine and A Company of Girls, has formed a cohort of nine girls who all live in single mother households. In the targeted group these girls build confidence, foster their resilience, and problem solve together while exploring the Maine outdoors. 85% of the girls reported feeling less stressed as a direct benefit of their group participation.

Upcoming Opportunities

Day of Action

United Way of Southern Maine hosts an annual Day of Action where hundreds of volunteers join together to help our partner organizations complete projects. This year Women United’s project is at Head Start in Sanford, where many of the mothers enrolled in our funded program “MomCore” send their children. Four volunteers are needed for Friday, June 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteer work will include mulching the playgrounds and reading to the preschool classrooms. Please email me back directly if you are interested.

Weekly Story Hour

Biddeford Ready! continues to host a weekly Story Hour at their Biddeford Hub for children ages 0-5 and their families. We are looking for multiple volunteers who are available Friday 10-11 a.m. to create a rotating schedule (for example, being the reader the first week of each month). You will have help planning and running the group. Please email me back directly if you are interested.

Panel of Gender Equity

Save the date! On Tuesday, June 25 from 8-9:30 am at United Way of Southern Maine’s Portland office Women United will host a panel discussion on gender equality in our community. Details and invitations to come!

Thank you again for being part of Women United. Our collective effort is what makes an impact and as one committee member often reminds me… “Women Can!”

With Gratitude,

Alexandra Turnbull
Donor Engagement Manager, Women United