Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maine announced significant expansion of its mentorship programs throughout Greater Portland and surrounding communities, with plans to serve 200 additional at-risk youth through matched mentoring relationships. The nonprofit secured $800,000 in grant funding to expand programming and hire additional staff to support youth recruitment, mentor training, and program coordination.
The organization has served Portland-area youth since 1996, operating research-based mentoring programs that pair at-risk youth with caring adult mentors committed to supporting academic success, social-emotional development, and positive life outcomes. Extensive research demonstrates that youth mentoring relationships significantly improve academic performance, reduce behavioral problems, and increase high school graduation rates.
Mentoring Program Models
Big Brothers Big Sisters operates two primary mentoring models: school-based mentoring involving one-hour weekly meetings at school, and community-based mentoring involving regular activities and engagement outside school settings. Both models emphasize long-term relationships and individualized support addressing youth needs and goals.
“Mentoring relationships fundamentally change young people’s lives,” said Executive Director Michael Roberts. “Research shows that consistent, caring adult relationships build resilience, improve academic performance, and help young people envision positive futures. We are excited to expand our reach and serve more youth in our community.”
The expansion will enable the organization to serve youth in Portland, South Portland, Westbrook, Cape Elizabeth, and surrounding communities, with particular focus on youth from low-income families, youth in foster care, and young people experiencing family challenges or trauma.
Mentor Recruitment and Training
The expanded program will require recruitment of 200 additional volunteer mentors, with organizational staff conducting extensive recruitment campaigns through workplaces, service organizations, and community networks. Prospective mentors participate in comprehensive training addressing youth development, trauma-informed practice, and relationship-building strategies.
The organization emphasized that mentor recruitment focuses on attracting mentors from diverse backgrounds reflecting the demographics of served youth populations. Special recruitment efforts target male mentors, addressing research indicating that male mentors are particularly beneficial for youth lacking consistent male role models in their lives.
Community Support and Partner Organizations
The mentorship expansion enjoys support from local schools, social service agencies, and community organizations. Portland Public Schools has committed to hosting school-based mentoring programs in all elementary and middle schools, providing space and coordination to facilitate mentoring relationships.
Corporate partners including healthcare organizations, technology firms, and professional service providers have committed to encouraging employees to volunteer as mentors. Several organizations have designated corporate volunteer days allowing employees to participate in Big Brothers Big Sisters activities and community engagement.
Big Brothers Big Sisters acknowledged that mentoring represents one component of comprehensive youth development and emphasized the importance of coordinated community efforts addressing youth needs through education, mental health services, recreational opportunities, and family support. The organization is collaborating with schools and social service providers to ensure mentoring relationships are integrated with other community resources supporting youth development and well-being.
