When ‘Kinship Caregivers’ Step Up for Children, AFFM Is There to Help

Thousands of children in Maine rely on their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives or family friends to provide and care for them full-time. These “kinship families” are invaluable for children in vulnerable situations, but often face steep challenges. Since 1997, Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine has provided kinship and other families with the supports they need to provide safe, stable, and nurturing homes to children. A recent grant from the John T. Gorman Foundation is boosting the nonprofit’s efforts.

Grantee and Applicant Portal Changes – What You Need to Know

UPDATE: This transition went into effect on August 30.  Go here to access our new online portal. To improve functionality and user experience, our grant management system provider, Blackbaud, is transitioning to a new online portal for grantees and applicants effective September 1, 2025. The legacy portal that organizations have used to apply for grants … Read more

Press Herald: Helping Maine Parents Meet the Moment

Research confirms what we inherently know: the well-being of children is tied to that of their parents. When parents’ needs are met – both mentally and physically – they are better able to provide what their children need to thrive. Everyone benefits when parents can overcome challenges in achieving greater health and well-being. With Mother’s … Read more

Test-driving Transportation Strategies

driver's seat perspective of car driving on highway with hands on the wheel

For families across Maine, a lack of transportation can stand in the way of work, education, and essential services. A new Foundation report highlights promising strategies for addressing these challenges — three efforts already underway offer glimpses of what these community approaches look like in practice.

Op-Ed: Maine Mothers Really Need Us Right Now

An op-ed by John T. Gorman Foundation President & CEO Nicole Witherbee in the Mother’s Day edition of the Portland Press Herald calls out issues negatively affecting maternal health and mental health in Maine and the need to strengthen supports and services on a local and statewide level. Read the full piece here.