Written by Ellyce Kline
Spurwink’s winter cohort of interns in the Next Gen Nonprofit Leadership Program are wrapping up their time working in Spurwink’s administration offices. The cohort joined Advancement, Finance, Continuous Quality Improvement, Human Resources, and Outpatient and Community Services teams, gaining experience in nonprofit work and developing important career skills. Interns Ellyce Kline, Mattey Boyer, Estella Mutoni, Justin Vachon, Piper Kollman-Veit, and Lizzie Valdmanis are gearing up to complete their capstone projects, an in-depth reflection on their experiences at Spurwink.
Over recent months, the interns of the winter cohort have worked alongside Spurwink’s administration departments to strengthen professional experience and support Spurwink’s mission through the assignment of various projects from their supervisors. From assisting with fundraising initiatives to data analysis, each intern has played a valuable role in their respective departments. In reflecting on their time at Spurwink, the interns shared how the experience has impacted them both personally and professionally.
Lizzie Valdmanis, an intern from the Outpatient and Community Services team, expressed her thoughts in consideration of the opportunity: “It has been such an amazing experience. I have especially loved doing the informational interviews with such inspiring and interesting people. I’ve learned so much and I’m so grateful for this opportunity.”
The Next Gen internship opportunities were made possible through the generosity of the Abbagadassett Foundation, whose support allows Spurwink to offer paid learning opportunities to Maine students.
Mattey Boyer, an intern who has been contributing to the efforts of the Advancement department, commented on her feeling towards the grant: “The Abbagadassett grant means a lot to me since that’s the reason I get to be here! I look back on my first week of orientation and all of the site visits and intern bonding that we got to do because of the grant.”
As the winter cohort wraps up and prepares for their next steps, interns will take with them valuable skills, meaningful connections, and a deep appreciation for Spurwink and the people who support the work. Spurwink offers a special thanks to each of the interns, supervisors, internship coordinator Brian Thill, and the Abbagadassett Foundation for making the internship program possible.
Learn more about internship opportunities at spurwink.org/join-us.
