Welcome to our new home!
Below, please read about the features of our new space that will allow more youth to shine. We look forward to using the space to host 75 youth weekly — with your support!
Now that we have more ROOM — we can BLOOM! We have launched a Friday Tutoring program with USM students and volunteers serving 15 youth weekly, and expanded our Mentor-in-Training program to enter a new phase in which youth who have turned 14 and have been an MIT for two years can now become Mentors and with work permits, have an expanded opportunity to build skills, earn hourly wages, and support their community. Listen to youth speak about their experience in the program in the videos below.
Lastly, in our new space, we have opened our Care Closet, where youth and families can shop for needed basic needs supplies. Please consider donating new or gently used items on Care Closet Wish List posted below.
Read about our Youth Co-created Spaces to Shine!
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Design Lab
In response to high levels of interest, we have created a design lab where youth can explore their creativity through digital design and creation. Using platforms such as Canva, iMovie, and Cricut youth can bring their creations to life whether it be through a podcast, video, or new sweatshirt design!
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Art Studio and Relaxation Space
Having a dedicated room for art means that youth can work simultaneously using different mediums to bring their creations to life! This room also serves as a relaxation space with bean bag couches, a reading nook, and soft lighting. Everybody needs a break sometimes!
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Community Room
Our new community room is large enough to accommodate all of our youth groups, as well as serve as a dance studio, science lab, and games room! This room serves as an anchor space for youth programming, where we start each day together in a community circle and share the highs and lows of our week over a shared homemade meal.
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Care Closet
The Our Place Care Closet provides basic needs products to families in our community. Through our partnership with Partners for World Health and generous donations from community members, we have filled the closet with personal hygiene products, clothing, and school supplies. Both youth and caregivers are encouraged to “shop” whenever they need to.
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Shared Meals Preparation Room
This space allows Our Place staff to prepare nutritious shared meals for each of our youth mentorship groups. The addition allows youth to participate in meal preparation and to learn valuable cooking skills to be more independent!
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Tutoring Room
This winter Our Place initiated a tutoring program to support the academic needs of youth. In partnership with USM Education Students, we offer tutoring services to 15 students from first to ninth grade.
