Written by Kelly Kundimana
Youth across Maine are facing growing challenges around mental health, from anxiety and depression to bullying, trauma, and academic pressure. Accessing timely support can be difficult for many families, especially when insurance doesn’t cover certain services or when basic needs like food or transportation get in the way of treatment. In a time when both need and barriers are increasing, flexible funding has become essential for helping youth connect with care that truly makes a difference.
At Spurwink, we work to bridge those gaps through school-based partnerships and trauma-informed care across the state. Our youth mental health services are designed to meet students where they are-whether that’s in classrooms, in family homes, or in the community. Through Access-to-Care and Client-Assistance Funds, we support low-income, uninsured, and underinsured youth by covering services that insurance does not, helping families navigate MaineCare applications, and providing practical support for basic needs that affect mental well-being. When a young person has access to therapy, stability at home, and supportive adults around them, they’re better able to thrive emotionally, socially and academically.
M&T Bank has played an important role in expanding this work. In 2025, the M&T Bank Charitable Foundation supported youth mental health at Spurwink with $2,500 award. This year, the Foundation deepened their commitment with an $8,500 grant to further strengthen access to care for youth and families. This ongoing partnership reflects a shared belief that metal health services should be responsive, accessible, and centered on the real challenges young people face today.
The impact of these flexible funds can be seen in everyday moments of stability and dignity. Recently, funds were used to support a family where a single mother of five needed to obtain clothing for work. Supporting her in that way helped stabilize the household financially, which in turn supported the children’s sense of safety and consistency. For youth, mental health isn’t just about therapy—it’s also shaped by whether their basic needs are met and their caregivers can keep things afloat. Flexible funds like these reduce stress in the home, making it easier for children to engage in school and therapeutic support.
Another example was a high school student working two part-time jobs while finishing school. Unexpected car repair costs threatened her ability to get to work, which would have jeopardized her income and stability. With support from M&T Bank, we were able to help cover those repairs so she could keep her jobs and stay on track toward graduation. For youth facing challenging circumstances, support like this can be the difference between falling behind and moving forward.
Other examples include covering case management services that help families apply for MaineCare, supporting teens in securing state IDs they need for employment, and providing sensory items that help kids regulate at school and at home. These may seem like small acts, but for families navigating trauma, poverty, and complex systems, they remove barriers that stand in the way of treatment.
Stories like these remind us that mental health support is not just about therapy – it’s about meeting real needs so that treatment can be effective. Flexible funds preserve dignity, reduce stress, and allow young people and families to engage more fully in their care. We are grateful to M&T Bank Charitable Foundation for investing in this work and for recognizing the importance of youth mental health in Maine.
