News + Events

January 2025

Dear Friends & Supporters,

We are excited about where LW is headed in 2025, particularly as we pursue our organization’s new strategic priorities. The thorough process of identifying these priorities also included making a difficult decision about one of our programs. After careful consideration, we have elected to end our English Language and Literacy Program (ELLP). Though we know well the ongoing needs of new Mainers, we are deliberately choosing to concentrate our resources on meeting the educational needs of children and youth. At this time, we believe that other local organizations are better positioned to provide vital services in adult language acquisition. We are grateful to the numerous ELLP volunteers who have invested time and energy in teaching over the years. The positive impact of this program is a direct result of their dedication. As you review this issue, we trust that you will see that we are living out our mission each day. We appreciate our generous supporters and community partners who sustain our transformational work.

Peace,

Thomas McLaughlin, Executive Director

LearningWorks After School

LWAS Biddeford students have been learning about different holiday celebrations and traditions. Our recent Family Open House included hot cocoa, potato latkes, and a snowflake craft table.

LWAS Portland students have started a new STEM unit on simple machines. Students learned about how engineers combine multiple simple machines to complete difficult tasks. By the end of this unit, students will use the Design Process to imagine, plan, create, and improve models of an industrial system using simple machines. 

LWAS Saco welcomed parents and caregivers to a Celebration of Learning that featured a variety of recent student work. Students also made felt and paper stockings and then experimented predicting how many marbles they could hold.

LWAS Waterboro wrapped up their first round of enrichment clubs. Students mastered all sorts of new skills, from sewing to becoming master builders.

Service Works

Service Works youth have been getting involved in and building connections with their community through a variety of service projects. In December, they helped distribute Christmas trees and holiday food boxes at YouthFull Maine’s monthly distribution. They also attended a recent community meeting about the Biddeford skatepark and how the city can provide more resources for youth and young adults.

YouthBuild

In addition to taking their HiSET exams, YouthBuild members have been volunteering at Preble Street Food Security Hub and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland as part of their vocational training. Additionally, members have been participating in clubs focused on arts and crafts, the outdoors, and baking. They celebrated the winter holidays with a Secret Santa gift exchange and Yule log making.

There are two more info sessions coming up for the February 2025 program. They will be held on Friday, January 17 and Friday, February 7 from 1-2 PM at the LearningWorks office. Contact Nate at nsnow@learningworks.me with any questions.