Spurwink is proud to announce that the United Way of Southern Maine (UWSME) awarded grants to three Spurwink programs through their community investment process, made possible by the generous support of individuals, businesses, and organizations across Southern Maine. We are incredibly grateful for these funds, which will allow children, adults, and families to receive much-needed behavioral health services and substance use disorder treatment. These investments address urgent needs and support long-term, systemic change that strengthens community resilience and advance health, youth opportunity, and financial security – especially for those facing the greatest barriers, including ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed) households.
Therapeutic Pre-School (Saco)
Spurwink’s Therapeutic Preschool serves children in southern Maine with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and developmental disabilities, providing individualized instruction and clinical treatment in a highly structured classroom environment. The UWSME grant will:
- Support staff with advanced training, such as Trauma Responsive Care and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) training, a nationally recognized certification for professionals who work with children with ASD.
- New equipment for occupational therapy, communication needs, and sensory regulation.
- A new classroom for children with behavioral health diagnoses and histories of complex trauma, serving an additional 8-10 children in the next fiscal year.
Mental Health Services (Cumberland and York Counties)
Spurwink’s Outpatient and Community Services (OCS) Program offers behavioral healthcare for children, youth, and adults across Cumberland and York Counties. Funding will:
- Support the recruitment of Public-School Counselors in high-need schools, helping students access consistent counseling during the school day.
- Provide Access-to-Care funds to cover critical components of care not covered by insurance.
Children’s Advocacy Center (Cumberland County)
The Cumberland County Children’s Advocacy Center is strengthening its response to youth experiencing sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking to ensure that every child receives a coordinated and compassionate response. Funding will allow us to:
- Hire a new part-time Forensic Interviewer to provide timely trauma-informed interviews for children during investigations.
- Train staff in “My Life, My Choice,” a nationally recognized curriculum to combat the exploitation of children and adolescents.
- Train 120 law enforcement, educators, and mental health professionals in recognizing and responding to the exploitation of youth.
United Way’s investment decisions are guided by local volunteers and align with Thrive2027, a set of three community-wide goals: give kids a strong start, empower neighbors to thrive – not just survive, and help us all live longer, better. Learn more at uwsme.org.
