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Sponsored by: Wayfinder Schools
Updated: September 26, 2022 2022 Giving Guide

Wayfinder Schools

2023 Goals

Each year, Wayfinder serves 65 Maine youth who need a second chance at high school graduation. Close to half of our students are young parents and more than half have experienced food and housing insecurity. All have struggled in traditional school settings. Wayfinder students receive individualized, strengths-based instruction in their own homes as they work toward completion of 24 core requirements in academics, parenting and practical life skills. In recent years, 100% of our graduates have reported increased confidence, community connection, goal planning skills and job skills; 100% have reported increased ability to provide healthy meals for themselves and their families and decreased anxiety about the future; and more than 70% have secured employment within six weeks of graduation. Our goals for the coming year include:

  • To increase the high school graduation rates of teen parents and at-risk youth in Maine
  • To ensure our students graduate with increased confidence, life skills, job skills, community connection and work readiness
  • To celebrate 50 years in the Midcoast and expand into Hancock County

Fundraising/Event Opportunities

Beginning in January 2023, Wayfinder will celebrate 50 years in the Midcoast. There will be plenty of opportunities for individuals and businesses to get involved. Watch our website and social media pages for a full calendar of 50th anniversary events. In the meantime, please save the following dates:

  • Great Escape Auction online from Nov. 25, 2022- Jan. 1, 2023
  • Finding Our Way live storytelling event, May 4, 2023, 7 p.m., Camden Opera House

Giving Opportunities

Every donation made to Wayfinder Schools helps ensure Maine youth are able to graduate from high school and find post-secondary success in their Maine communities. Many of our graduates are the first in their families to complete high school. Most stay here in Maine to work and raise their families. A gift to Wayfinder helps strengthen Maine families and communities for generations to come. Giving Opportunities: Donate to our Annual Appeal; make an online gift; sponsor a student; sponsor a fundraising event; attend/participate in a fundraising event; make a gift in honor of a student, graduate, teacher, friend or loved one; underwrite a newsletter, workshop or field trip; join our Wayfinder Navigators Monthly Giving Program; and/or consider a legacy gift.

Volunteer Opportunities

Wayfinder is fortunate to have a dedicated team of community partners and volunteers who help ensure success for our students and our school. We can’t do this important work without them. This year’s volunteer opportunities include: mentoring students/leading a workshop; serving as an advisor on a graduation project; and joining our development, fundraising and events committee.

Leadership

 

Board officers

Martha Kempe: Head of Schools

 

Jerry McQueeney: Board Chair

 

Christie Bane, Board Vice Chair: Project Manager, Northern Light Health

David Vickrey, Board Treasurer: Managing Principal, Seabridge Advisors

Wendelanne Augunas, Board Secretary: Integrated Behavioral Health Clinician, PenBay Medical Center

 

Board members

Skye Green: Youth Librarian, Calais Free Library

Andrea Itkin: Retired Teacher and Writer

Charrisse Kaplan: Managing Partner, Family-Owned Commercial Real Estate

Dr. Larissa Malone: Assistant Professor, University of Southern Maine School of Education and Human Development

Lateef O’Connor: Senior Associate Director of Recruitment & Regional Campus Admissions, University of Maine

Barbara Sullivan: Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, FCD Prevention Works/Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

At a glance

Established: 1910

Employees: 10.5

Annual revenue: $733,253

Top funding sources

42% Grants, donations and fundraising

38% Investment income

20% Program income

Contact

P.O. Box 555, Camden, ME 04843

(207) 236-3000

https://www.wayfinderschools.org

https://www.facebook.com/wayfinderschools/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayfinder-schools/

https://www.instagram.com/wayfinder_schools/

Accolades

In recent years, Wayfinder students, graduates, staff, board and programs have been recognized by The Journal of Maine Education, The Lewiston Sun Journal, Maine Association of Nonprofits, United Nations Association of Maine, Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce, United Midcoast Charities, Maine Marathon and Machias Savings Bank.

Mission Statement

Wayfinder is an alternative high school serving Maine youth who need a second chance at graduation. Our mission is to provide students with the experience necessary to discover their strengths and skills, connect with their families, practice personal responsibility, contribute to their communities, and earn a high school diploma.

Service locations

Wayfinder serves students in Androscoggin, Cumberland, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, Washington and York counties. This year we will expand into Hancock County as well. Our main campus is in Camden, with outreach offices in Brunswick and Machias.