2022 Goals
Since the end of 2020, our team and organization has grown tremendously. Our 2021 annual budget is almost $800,000 and we have been growing the team to support our programming and respond to community needs, especially during these emergent times. Our goals for 2021/2022 are to maintain the organization’s level of responsiveness and flexibility, while balancing that with system building and strategy for the future that sustains our programs supporting the New Mainer community through programs like our familiar Community Health Work, Tutoring, Mentoring, and Community Youth Coalition programs. This year, we have been working on a strategic plan while building operational systems that support our growth. Our strategic plan asserts our intended focus areas of: leadership, wellness and community. This is reflected in our current programming and will guide our further growth and community impact, such as developing our community health work, deepening our commitment to racial justice and reducing social isolation through our Youth Mentor Program. We look forward to sharing our continued community success with all our constituents and supporters.
Fundraising Events / Opportunities
We have an exciting match opportunity going on right now to support the expansion of our Youth Mentor program. In an attempt to work towards digital equity, Gateway is looking to purchase and provide iPads to Mentor Program participants. Thanks to an anonymous donor, we have a matching gift opportunity up to a total of $10,000. Make your gift count double and help us reach our goal of expanding our programming and increasing tech and communication access for the youth we serve in Lewiston. Donate online via our website to the Youth Mentor Program to participate in the matching gift campaign or mention it in the memo line of your check. Once we unlock the full matching gift, we plan to celebrate all supporters via social media and newsletter blasts.
Giving Opportunities
We are launching an Opportunity Board project soon for the New Mainer community we serve. The idea is that it would be a kind of job board; for every listing we put on the Opportunity Board, there would be some degree of existing connection between Gateway and the organization. It would be an opportunity for participants to use Gateway as a conduit for networking, and it would be an opportunity for businesses to cultivate great talent. At this point, we are gauging interest from the business community. If you or your business would like to engage in this project, or start a conversation about giving, please email Aleena at aleena.blankenship@gatewaycommunityservice.org. We also have an annual fund campaign coming up at the end of the year.
Volunteer Opportunities
Sign up to be a volunteer tutor with Gateway’s tutoring program! No prior experience is necessary to join our team of tutors; all you need is a positive attitude and a willingness to learn alongside the students you work with. This program is an awesome opportunity to connect with Lewiston and Portland-area students while working with a great community of other volunteer tutors and Gateway staff. Work long-term with a single student or volunteer for one-time tutoring appointments. Visit our website to learn more, inquire, and sign up!
