JTGF Updates

As Maine communities face an upcoming transition in the delivery of developmental services, an initiative in St. George connecting children and families to early supports offers important lessons A child’s ability to learn and thrive in school is one that is cultivated long before they step foot in a classroom. With the support of their … Read more

A highly successful approach to addressing students’ needs and nurturing their strengths is launching in two Oxford County schools. Students do not leave their outside lives at the door when they walk into school. When schools help address students’ needs and build on strengths, students are better able to learn and thrive. This is the … Read more

With support from the John T. Gorman Foundation, community organizations have partnered with schools to help students build confidence, strengthen relationships, and connect with caring adults   The middle school years are an important time for young people to discover their interests, develop relationships, and build confidence. To connect students with adults who can help … Read more

In Lewiston schools, trusted relationships help students navigate challenges, find opportunities, and build confidence in their futures Through Tree Street Youth Center’s afterschool BRANCHES program in Lewiston, young people can find academic help, mentoring, and a nonjudgmental ear to help them work through challenges. Co-founder and Executive Director Julia Sleeper describes the approach as “a … Read more

A two-day summit connected promising approaches from Maine and across the country with opportunities for action While the John T. Gorman Foundation develops and tests promising strategies to help Maine children and families thrive, it also brings together leaders to learn about new approaches and from each other. On August 12 and 13, the Foundation … Read more

Through its work with partners to promote child well-being, the John T. Gorman Foundation has increasingly focused on relational health – the safe, stable, and nurturing relationships essential to children’s health and development and to the well-being of families overall. Alongside partners, the Foundation is supporting innovative approaches designed to help caregivers strengthen these connections … Read more

How MaineHealth Early Childhood Support Specialists help families reduce stress, build confidence, and nurture healthy relationships The mother was adamant—she wouldn’t do it. As an Early Childhood Support Specialist at a MaineHealth pediatric clinic in Rockland, Annette Burns helps parents support their children’s healthy development. Sometimes, that means helping families navigate deep poverty, substance use, … Read more

PROSPER initiative combines culturally grounded parenting support with trusted messengers to strengthen connections in Passamaquoddy families Families across Maine share a deep love for their children and a desire for them to thrive. But how families care for their children, the challenges they face, and the support they find helpful can look very different depending … Read more