2027 goals
Our vision is that all children have free access to support for the healthy processing of grief, and for the adults in their lives to have access to the resources needed to support them. We want every person in Maine to know about the Center’s services so that no one has to grieve alone.
- Goal 1: Provide high-quality grief peer support programs for Maine children and their families in-person at the Center’s Portland and Sanford locations and virtually.
- Goal 2: Support schools, workplaces and agencies through crisis resources and grief-related education and training.
- Goal 3: Recruit and retain more volunteers who will lead community response to challenges and emerging needs.
- Goal 4: Meaningfully recognize the volunteers, donors and business sponsors who keep the Center’s services free for families.
Awards, national rankings or recognition
- In 2025, our longtime volunteer and facilitator trainer Linda Kelly was honored with the 20 Outstanding Women Award presented by Coast 93.1.
- In 2025, our longtime volunteer Maureen Keeley was honored with the Myra Kraft Community MVP Award presented by the New England Patriots Foundation.
- In 2025, the Center was honored as Nonprofit of the Year by the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce at PROPEL’s Ignition Awards.
- In 2024, the Center received Declaration of National Children’s Grief Awareness Month (November) by Gov. Janet Mills
Fundraising events/opportunities
The Center hosts a variety of fundraising events throughout the year, from intimate gatherings to signature community celebrations, and is also honored to benefit from numerous third-party events organized by generous supporters. For the latest event information and opportunities to get involved, visit our website, follow us on social media, or contact us at cgc@cgcmaine.org. To make a gift and support our mission, please visit www.cgcmaine.org/donate.
Each February, we look forward to our annual LOVE Gala, the Center’s largest fundraising event and a meaningful evening of connection, inspiration, and community support. Sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets are available. We are especially excited that the 2027 LOVE Gala on Feb. 5, 2027 will kick off the celebration of the Center’s 40th anniversary, marking four decades of providing hope and healing to our community.
Giving opportunities
- Individual Donors help create dependable revenue for the Center by making annual gifts.
- “Friends of Hope” is our monthly giving program that spreads giving throughout the year.
- Corporate Partners invest in a relationship that creates value for businesses, employees, the community, and the Center.
- Contributions are made to the Center in memory or honor of a loved one, or to mark a special occasion or company milestone.
- Bequests leave a legacy of support, by joining the Bill Hemmens Society, ensuring our services will be available for children and families for years to come.
- #GivingTuesday – Dec. 1, 2026
- Center Day of Giving – early June
Volunteer opportunities
Volunteers are at the heart of the Center’s service and work throughout the community.
- Program Facilitators make a weekly commitment to our peer-based grief support groups for children and their adult family members. The Center provides excellent training and ongoing support.
- Event volunteers help make our fundraising events successful. We welcome individuals and groups of employees to assist at our events.
- Office volunteers assist with a variety of projects on a one-time or ongoing basis.
- Employee volunteer groups can hold their own fundraiser to benefit the Center or complete special projects in collaboration with the Center.
