Bright Beginnings
All York County children, from birth through age 8, have the best possible start for lifelong learning and success.
The early years of a child's life are the most critical learning period, building a foundation for success in school, and in life. In 2016, only 33% of Maine students entering fourth grade were reading proficiently. Poor reading skills impact on-time graduation rates and limit education and employment opportunities.
United Way of York County Bright Beginnings Community Impacts:
- Invests more than $295,000 in childcare, early literacy, and other Bright Beginnings programs.
- Facilitates the only Early Childhood Coalition in Maine.
- Trains Volunteer Readers to support early literacy for students through third grade.
- Operates Tools4Schools, an annual program that provides more than 800 free backpacks full of supplies to school children.
Our work includes:
- Born Learning - Activity Trails that provide parents and caregivers of young children with information and activities they need for a healthy and positive early start
- Funded Programs that support lifelong learning for children, youth and families in York County
- Healthy Preschool Project - Connecting young children with healthy foods through childcare and Head Start programs
- Tools 4 Schools School Supply Drives - Supporting the best start each school year for children and their limited-income families
- Volunteer Reader Project - Connecting volunteers with elementary students to improve reading proficiency that gets results
- York County Community Conversation on Early Childhood - Discussing topics that impact the success of young children and their families
- York County Early Childhood Coalition - Advocating for the importance of early childhood and its link to our community's successful economic future
Childhood Success
United Way of York County is part of the United Way Worldwide network. Research shows that education is the cornerstone of individual and community success. The United Way Worldwide network is focused on children entering school ready and being successful in elementary school. Early success leads to future school success and increased opportunities.
By utilizing our core strengths, we can mobilize resources to improve communities and change lives. United Way's model focuses on supportive communities, effective schools and strong families; strategies and approaches rooted in research.
How You Can Help
The strategies proven to work are those that connect communities to their schools: parent involvement; volunteer readers in the classroom; mentors for challenged students; business leaders engaged in early childhood advocacy and more - Volunteer to Get Involved! If you would like to volunteer with United Way of York County, please contact us at 207-985-3359.
Thought-Provoking Videos on Early Learning
Here are two YouTube videos that underscore the importance of investing in programs that will change childrens' future:
Maine Resiliency Building Network
Bright Beginnings: Community Investments 2021
Organization's Mission Statement:
Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Untited Way Funded Programs:
Outreach Services Program
United Way of York County Investment:
$5,775
Organization's Mission Statement:
Catholic Charities empowers and strengthens individuals and families of all faiths by providing innovative community-based social services throughout Maine.
Untited Way Funded Programs:
St. Louis Child Development Center
United Way of York County Investment:
$25,000
Organization's Mission Statement:
To build a bright future for people with disabilities by empowering individuals to achieve maximum personal growth and independence.
Untited Way Funded Programs:
Integrated Therapy
United Way of York County Investment:
$10,000
Organization's Mission Statement:
YMCA’s mission is to provide camping and community programs that promote spiritual, mental, and physical growth, with respect for the worth and dignity of all people.
Untited Way Funded Programs:
YMCA Early Learning Center
Core Value Super Hero Training Academy
United Way of York County Investment:
$11,000
Organization's Mission Statement:
Untited Way Funded Programs:
St. George's Child Care Center DBA Time of Wonder Early Learning Center
United Way of York County Investment:
$12,500
Organization's Mission Statement:
The Opportunity Alliance works with people to build better lives and stronger communities. We provide advocacy, leadership, and support to identify the goals and address the needs of individuals, families, and communities.
Untited Way Funded Programs:
Foster Grandparent Program
CDA Development Center
United Way of York County Investment:
$23,000
Organization's Mission Statement:
Our YMCA is committed to building strong kids, individuals, families, and communities through programs and services that promote a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, regardless of ability to pay.
Untited Way Funded Programs:
Community Childcare Center
United Way of York County Investment:
$17,000
Organization's Mission Statement:
YCCAC’s mission is to alleviate the effects of poverty, attack its underlying causes, and to promote the dignity and self-sufficiency of the people of York County, Maine.
Untited Way Funded Programs:
Mental Health Support for Head Start
United Way of York County Investment:
$20,000
Organization's Mission Statement:
LearningWorks AfterSchool (LWAS) provides free, high-quality afterschool and summer programs for students in grades 2-5 who are below grade level and come from families that cannot afford a paid afterschool enrichment or tutoring program.
Untited Way Funded Programs:Learning:
LearningWorks AfterSchool (LWAS)
United Way of York County Investment:
$15,000
Organization's Mission Statement:
Spurwink provides behavioral health and education services for children, adults and families.
Untited Way Funded Programs:
Spurwink Therapeutic Preschool
United Way of York County Investment:
$22,000
Organization's Mission Statement:
It is the mission of Caring Unlimited to work with the community to end domestic violence in York County.
Untited Way Funded Programs:
Parent Support Services
United Way of York County Investment:
$16,000
Organization's Mission Statement:
Sweetser’s mission is to provide quality treatment, support and hope to children, families and adults through a network of mental and behavioral health, developmental, and educational services.
Untited Way Funded Programs:
School-Based Services: Funding Uninsured
United Way of York County Investment:
$15,000
Organization's Mission Statement:
Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine provides free services in York and Cumberland counties to anyone affected by sexual assault, sexual harassment, or sexual abuse, through prevention programs, support, education, and advocacy.
Untited Way Funded Programs:
Prevention Education Program
United Way of York County Investment:
$15,000
Organization's Mission Statement:
Woodfords Family Services is a nonprofit organization committed to the support and inclusion of people with special needs and their families in Maine communities.
Untited Way Funded Programs:
Woodsford's mask Desensitization and Tolerance Training Program
United Way of York County Investment:
$7,500
Organization's Mission Statement:
To prevent child abuse and neglect by empowering children and families in York and Cumberland Counties.
Untited Way Funded Programs:
Parenting Program
School and Community Based Education Programs
United Way of York County Investment:
$13,425
Organization's Mission Statement:
Count ME In is an exciting partnership of schools, businesses, parents, youth, state and community organizations working to improve student attendance, engagement and academic achievement.
Untited Way Funded Programs:
Count ME In!
United Way of York County Investment:
$9,000