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Sponsored by: Wayfinder Schools
Updated: September 27, 2021 2021 Giving Guide

Wayfinder Schools

2022 Goals

Each year, Wayfinder serves 65 Maine youth who need a second chance at high school graduation. More than 60% of our students are teen parents and more than 50% have experienced housing and food 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, life skills, job skills, community connection and work readiness. More than 60% have pursued post-secondary education 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 increase the parenting skills of young parents enrolled in our program
  • To increase the post-secondary educational and career success of our students

When you attend this school, you will get confidence, independence, knowledge, and bravery. This school gave me everything I needed. They gave me hope.
— Aya S., Portland, Class of 2021

Fundraising Events / Opportunities

We have two fundraising events scheduled this year. The first is an online reprisal of our “Great Escape” auction, featuring five fabulous get-a-ways to bid on in time for Valentine’s Day. The second is our semi-annual “Finding Our Way” live storytelling event, featuring local Maine celebrities and Wayfinder graduates who will share funny, poignant and inspirational stories of finding their way, live from the stage. Be sure to save the date for this event! 7pm on April 14, 2022 at The 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
  • Consider a Legacy Gift

I encourage all who are seeking alternative schooling to find their way with Wayfinder. It has changed my life. I can now find a stable job to provide for my family.
— Nika L., Belfast, Class of 2021

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
  • Assisting with our Finding Our Way Event in April 2022
  • Joining our Development, Fundraising & Events Committee
  • Assisting with Promotion of Events and Other Student & School Activities
  • Sharing Career Expertise and Providing Opportunities for Career Exploration

Leadership

Martha Kempe, Head of Schools
Jerry McQueeney, Board Chair: President, Boost Employee Benefits Corporation

Board officers

Christie Bane, Board Vice Chair: Project Manager, Northern Light Health

David Vickrey, Board Treasurer: Managing Principal, Seabridge Advisors

Andrea Itkin, Board Secretary: Writer/Director & Retired Wayfinder Teacher


Board Members

Wendelanne Augunas, LCPC: Integrated Behavioral Health Clinician, PenBay Medical Center

Cyril Francis: Culture and Language Advisor, Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness

Skye Green: Youth Librarian, Calais Free Library

Charrisse Kaplan: Managing Partner, Family-Owned Commercial Real Estate

Barbara Sullivan: Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, FCD Prevention Works/Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

At a Glance:

Established: 1910
Employees: 10.5
Annual revenue: $734,915

Top funding sources

37% Grants, Donations & Fundraising
28% Investment Income
19% Program Income
16% Trusts & Bequests

Contact

PO Box 555
Camden, ME 04843
207.236.3000

https://www.wayfinderschools.org
https://www.facebook.com/wayfinderschools
https://www.twitter.com/WayfinderSchool
https://www.instagram.com/wayfinder_schools

Awards / Accolades

In recent years, Wayfinder students, graduates, staff members, board members and programs have been recognized by Maine Magazine, Leaders & Luminaries, The YMCA of Southern Maine, Tree Street Youth, Maine Women’s Fund, Maine Association of Nonprofits and The United Nations Association of Maine.

Mission Statement

Wayfinder is an alternative high school serving teen parents and other Maine youth who need a second chance at graduation. Our mission is to provide students with the experience necessary to discover their strengths and skills, connect with their families, practice personal responsibility, contribute to their communities, and earn a high school diploma.

Service locations

Wayfinder serves eight Maine counties: Androscoggin, Cumberland, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, Washington and York. Our main campus is located in Camden and we have outreach offices in Brunswick and Machias.