2023 Goals
Each year, Wayfinder serves 65 Maine youth who need a second chance at high school graduation. Close to half of our students are young parents and more than half have experienced food and housing insecurity. All have struggled in traditional school settings. Wayfinder students receive individualized, strengths-based instruction in their own homes as they work toward completion of 24 core requirements in academics, parenting and practical life skills. In recent years, 100% of our graduates have reported increased confidence, community connection, goal planning skills and job skills; 100% have reported increased ability to provide healthy meals for themselves and their families and decreased anxiety about the future; and more than 70% have secured employment within six weeks of graduation. Our goals for the coming year include:
- To increase the high school graduation rates of teen parents and at-risk youth in Maine
- To ensure our students graduate with increased confidence, life skills, job skills, community connection and work readiness
- To celebrate 50 years in the Midcoast and expand into Hancock County
Fundraising/Event Opportunities
Beginning in January 2023, Wayfinder will celebrate 50 years in the Midcoast. There will be plenty of opportunities for individuals and businesses to get involved. Watch our website and social media pages for a full calendar of 50th anniversary events. In the meantime, please save the following dates:
- Great Escape Auction online from Nov. 25, 2022- Jan. 1, 2023
- Finding Our Way live storytelling event, May 4, 2023, 7 p.m., Camden Opera House
Giving Opportunities
Every donation made to Wayfinder Schools helps ensure Maine youth are able to graduate from high school and find post-secondary success in their Maine communities. Many of our graduates are the first in their families to complete high school. Most stay here in Maine to work and raise their families. A gift to Wayfinder helps strengthen Maine families and communities for generations to come. Giving Opportunities: Donate to our Annual Appeal; make an online gift; sponsor a student; sponsor a fundraising event; attend/participate in a fundraising event; make a gift in honor of a student, graduate, teacher, friend or loved one; underwrite a newsletter, workshop or field trip; join our Wayfinder Navigators Monthly Giving Program; and/or consider a legacy gift.
Volunteer Opportunities
Wayfinder is fortunate to have a dedicated team of community partners and volunteers who help ensure success for our students and our school. We can’t do this important work without them. This year’s volunteer opportunities include: mentoring students/leading a workshop; serving as an advisor on a graduation project; and joining our development, fundraising and events committee.
