2020 Goals
We will be expanding our reach into Kennebec county in 2019 and 2020, concentrating our outreach efforts in immigrant community centers, churches, and schools and by collaborating with immigrant and low-income-focused nonprofits. We will add additional classes in the Lewiston area and continue to focus on increasing partnerships in Androscoggin county. We will empower our robust network of volunteers to expand their outreach efforts to immigrant and housing organizations and offer additional “How to be Successful Tenant” workshops pending our program replication in Lewiston. In 2020, we plan to award an additional five to ten college scholarships to asylum-seekers and begin a fundraising plan to create an endowment so the scholarship can exist in perpetuity. We will pair each of these students with a professional mentor to guide them on their career path and help ensure their academic success by strengthening our partnerships with target schools CMCC, SMCC and USM.
Fundraising events/Opportunities
The Community Block Party is our largest annual fundraiser where we honor immigrant community contributions to the Maine economy. Over 20 local businesses sign on as sponsors. The event is a true celebration of community accomplishments, with strong attendance from business leaders and partner nonprofits working on the behalf of immigrants. In 2020 we will honor business leaders and immigrant community organizers whose work has made contributions to the economic advancement of New Mainers. We will also announce and celebrate our 2020 scholarship winners and share with Greater Portland a slice of Central, East African, and Middle Eastern cultures though food and music.
The Block Party will be held in early May 2020. Sponsorship opportunities open on October 1, 2019. We invite you to learn how you can become a key player in this unique event.
For sponsorship and event information contact Matteson Nadeau: mnadeau@prosperityme.org
Giving Opportunities
New in 2020, ProsperityME will be launching our Maine Immigrants Prosperity Network, (MIPN) a network of financial services businesses with a long-term interest in helping Immigrants, Asylees, and Refugees understand and engage proactively in the American financial system. MIPN raised funds will support our financial education and counseling programs.
Please contact Claude Rwaganje with questions about MIPN membership and contributions: crwaganje@prosperityme.org.
ProsperityME conducts an individual annual appeal in November every year. We invite individuals to simplify their giving by joining our monthly giving program. Gifts are tax deductible. We also accept gifts of stock and in-kind donations.
You can donate though our website or mail. Questions about in-kind or stock gifts should be directed to Byron Bartlett: bbartlett@prosperityme.org
Volunteer Opportunities
- Volunteer Housing Coach: In conjunction with our Supporting Immigrant Tenants program, housing coaches prepare asylum-seekers to rent their first apartment by reviewing the lease, giving advice, and offering friendship.
- Scholarship Student Mentors: You can help nurture the next generation of talent in your industry by mentoring one of our 2020 scholarship recipients. Scholarship mentors help our student recipients to plan for the road ahead, offering professional advice and support as they advance through their post-secondary education.
ProsperityME is currently looking for professionals with backgrounds in marketing, development, or direct sales who want to make a difference in the lives of Maine immigrants by joining our Marketing and Development Committee! Interested parties should contact Matteson Nadeau, mnadeau@prosperityme.org, for more information.
