Category: JTGF News & Updates

An innovative partnership between organizations Mano en Mano and the Sunrise County Economic Council seeks to address a shortage in housing and need for year-round workers in Washington County. The John T. Gorman Foundation recently made a $250,000 impact investment – a below-market-rate loan made from the Foundation’s investment portfolio – to support the initiative’s pilot phase of building or renovating six to seven homes to help migrant workers become full-time community members and, eventually, homeowners.

After two years of pandemic pivots, the Boys & Girls Club of Bangor hopes a return to normal programming this summer will give students a much-needed boost heading into the school year. In particular, two Foundation-funded initiatives target the Club’s youngest and oldest members – a Kindergarten Boot Camp and Work-Based Learning Program for teens.

The latest John T. Gorman Fellows are in the homestretch of the Fellowship’s intensive seminars. They have set long-term goals for their work, developed strategies to accomplish them, and have identified indicators they will use to mark their progress in the months and years ahead. Several Fellows have offered their reflections on the impacts the Fellowship has already had on their work and organizations.

Founded 52 years ago, Rural Community Action Ministry is not only addressing immediate needs for the people it serves, but is helping them open doors to greater economic stability. Its comprehensive approach – as well as the outsized impact this small organization has in an underserved region of Western Maine – is a major reason RCAM has been a longtime Direct Services Grantee for the John T. Gorman Foundation.

Youth exiting foster care face daunting challenges as they transition to adulthood – including high rates of homelessness – not only because of trauma they have faced in the past, but also limited support systems available to them in their young adulthoods. With Foundation funding, Portland Housing Authority has paired federal housing vouchers and intensive supports to put these youth in a much better position to thrive as adults – and parents.

The John T. Gorman Foundation recently announced its 2022 Direct Services Grants, awarding a total of $1.5 million to 90 organizations who are addressing the immediate needs of vulnerable Mainers in all 16 counties — 31 of those grants went to programs specifically serving older adults. We are incredibly grateful to all of these grantees for meeting an unprecedented level of demand for food, shelter, and other forms of assistance at this difficult time. Learn more about all of their efforts here.