2023 Goals
As an organization that works closely with families and children, it is a priority that MCH is trauma-informed to promote the greatest sense of safety for all – clients and staff. Over the past two years, MCH has deepened its focus on understanding the widespread impact of trauma. This year, MCH began sharing its experiences and knowledge about becoming a trauma-informed organization with other groups in its community through its Connected Families Program. In 2022 and 2023, it is a goal of MCH to continue to be a trauma-informed leader in Maine as the organization shifts with the changing needs of the 3,000 people – families, adults, teens, and children – who receive services and assistance through MCH’s core programs:
- Family Adoption Program
- Family Counseling Center
- Teen Parent Education Program
- Connected Families Project
- Christmas Program
Fundraising/Event Opportunities
MCH supporters across the state raise resources for the MCH mission – to build and strengthen families and their children – including the Friends of Maine Children’s Home (the Friends). The Friends is an organization focused on raising funds and providing volunteers to support MCH programs, holding a Lobster Roll Lunch fundraiser each fall, and engaging volunteers to support the annual Christmas Program. The MCH staff and board members plan four events annually:
- Annual Meeting Celebration in January
- Summer Fun for Good raffle in May and June
- Christmas in July toy drive and campaign in July
- Community Block Party in November
- Corporate support is essential to meeting annual needs. Anyone interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities can call Development Director Elizabeth Barron at (207) 873-4253 extension 217 or email her at ebarron@mainechildrenshome.org.
Giving Opportunities
MCH welcomes charitable gifts and donations that meet your personal and corporate philanthropic and legacy-building goals.
- Individualized legacy gift and planned giving, such as: bequests, appreciated securities, charitable distributions, charitable trusts, real estate, etc.
- Sponsorships of MCH programs and events, which offer sponsors broad exposure with promotions on the MCH website and marketing materials.
- Annual, quarterly, or monthly donations to MCH’s “Red Stocking Fund”, which supports the more than 3,000 Maine people receiving services from MCH each year. Donations can also be designated to support specific MCH programs.
- In-kind donations of new books, warm clothing, boots, board games, batteries, and toys, which are needed to meet all the needs of holiday gift boxes for children across Maine through MCH’s Christmas Program.
Volunteer Opportunities
MCH typically welcomes volunteers from local schools, colleges, civic clubs, and businesses to complete activities and projects for MCH programs. Volunteers can contribute through the following:
- Join the Friends of Maine Children’s Home (the Friends): The Friends are goodwill ambassadors that help promote and carry out activities as well as fundraising support to provide resources to grow and maintain MCH’s core programs.
- Assist with Christmas Program at MCH
- Assist with other MCH Programs
- Find out about serving on the board of directors or other planning or development committees
- Anyone interested in learning more about group volunteer opportunities at MCH can call Development Director Elizabeth Barron at (207) 873-4253 or email her at ebarron@mainechildrenshome.org.
