Do you want to help children and families thrive?

Your Support Matters

Relationships and environments that feel consistently safe are at the core of ensuring the well-being of children and families. This stability relies on various elements: the stress management skills of parents, a supportive network for families, knowledge of child development and care, and access to essential services during difficult times. At Maine Children’s Home (MCH), we are committed to empowering parents and children with tools, skills, and guidance to cultivate a sustained sense of security that safeguards their emotional and physical well-being.

In 2024, caring givers like you helped:

• more than 3,000 people across Maine — through programs that strengthen families, foster resilience, and build brighter futures,
• 21% more young parents in our Journey Program gain stability and parenting education,
• 30 adoption clients receive social work support for their families,
• 244 individuals — primarily children and teens — receive counseling and emotional care through our Family Counseling Center, and
• 1,415 children and teens with care packages of clothing, hygiene supplies, and comfort items like toys and cozy blankets from our Christmas / Winter Essentials Program.

We’re expecting to reach just as many people, if not more, in 2025! But here’s the reality: All of this takes at least $1 million in contributions each year. And these children and families need your help.

Your Gift in Action

In a recent blog entry, Allison Grady (pictured at top right in photo with her family) reflects on her transformative journey with Maine Children’s Home’s Journey Program, which she participated in from August 2014 to June 2017. Initially uncertain about her future upon discovering her pregnancy, Allison found empowering support through the program. From navigating the challenges of parenthood to juggling school and sports, the Journey Program provided consistent guidance and assistance. Through tough parenting classes and unwavering support from program coordinators, Allison gained valuable skills and resilience. She credits the program for her high school diploma, subsequent opportunities, and personal growth, emphasizing its pivotal role in shaping her into a successful individual, partner, and parent. 

"Whenever I faced challenges, the program coordinators were there, assisting with everything from finding health insurance and dental care to signing up for WIC support," said Allison. "Their support was steady and constant. I honestly trusted them more than most other adults in my life."

The resources and guidance provided by Journey Program is free to participants, and relies entirely on the gifts of caring people who want to see parents like Allison thrive. Your gift ensures that programs like Journey Program can continue offering essential services that shape the lives of young families.

Make a one time or recurring, monthly gift

Online gifts to Maine Children’s Home are safe and secure.

For more than a century, Maine Children’s Home (MCH) has been a beacon of hope, transforming lives and nurturing progress. As MCH approaches its 125^th anniversary in 2024, we are facing a pressing and formidable challenge — the growing demand for the organization’s services.

Each year, MCH reaches the lives of more than 3,000 children and families, many of whom are impacted by Maine’s mental health crisis. The 2023 Maine KIDS COUNT Data Book by the Maine Children’s Alliance highlights the seriousness of this crisis, emphasizing MCH’s crucial role in addressing our community’s most pressing concerns.

Your generous support means more than just dollars; it directly translates into tangible hope, empowerment, access to vital services, and progress for those served by MCH.

Join MCH in its mission — to build and strengthen families — by making a gift today.

What Your Gift Can Do:

• $35 can provide brand new socks, underwear, and hygiene items to a child in need
• $50 can provide supportive therapy tools to a child or family for better outcomes 
• $100 can support an uninsured / underinsured child or family being seen for therapy
• $250 can sponsor a pregnant youth through prenatal education
• $500 can provide winter essentials to two children
• $1,000 can provide post adoption support for a child or family

Giving by Check

ATTN: Development
Maine Children’s Home
93 Silver Street
Waterville, ME, 04901

Other Ways to Give

While we need and welcome your individual financial support, there are many other ways you can support our programs and services:

• Become a volunteer
• Join the Friends of the Maine Children's Home organization
• Contribute in-kind items to our winter essentials program
• Attend events and fundraisers
• Become a business sponsor
• Planned giving 
• Contribute to the Christmas Program 

Christmas / Winter Essentials Program & Journey Program Gifts

We gratefully accept only newly purchased in-kind donations. It’s our policy to ensure that the children and parents we serve receive items that are new and meant just for them

Items can be dropped off on the front porch of the "Administration Building" (Building #2) on the MCH campus Monday-Friday, 9 am - 3 pm (please fill out a gift slip, specify which program you are giving to, and leave it in your gift bag/ box). Shipments should be addressed to Maine Children's Home; 93 Silver Street; Waterville, ME 04901; Please mark the package "Attn: Christmas Program."  or "Journey Program" (If you are shipping via Amazon, you can choose "this is a gift" option, and type in your first and last name and contact information on the Gift Card, so we know it is from you, and can send you your receipt and Thank You!)

* Amazon Wish List Link: [here]           * Christmas Needs List: [here]

Accepted in-kind items for Journey Program

• Diapers, all sizes, new and unopened
• Baby wipes, new and unopened