John T. Gorman Foundation

From Maine Development Foundation: “Our economic success depends on our people. That includes equipping kids with the knowledge and skills to succeed, and tackling physical, mental and access barriers so all Mainers can prosper.”

The John T. Gorman Foundation recently co-hosted the New England Rural Summit with Partners for Rural Impact and Campus Compact for New Hampshire to facilitate an exchange of ideas for supporting the success of rural youth and families. Learn more about the Foundation partners who shared their expertise on whole-family approaches and supporting diverse communities during this two-day event. https://lnkd.in/e5YgTJpd

John T. Gorman Fellow and education researcher Katherine Johnston recently completed one report with Educate Maine on Maine’s educator workforce and is currently working on another. In this Q&A, we ask her about the takeaways from that research, Maine’s education data needs, and how the Fellowship has influenced her work to strengthen the state’s education system.

At 14,000 strong, Maine’s educator workforce is critical to the success of students as well as the state’s future. But as fewer people pursue traditional pathways into teaching, Maine is facing a teacher shortage that could worsen in the future. Our partners at Educate Maine are stepping up to address the issue with several strategies – including one to support alternative pathways into teaching while ensuring high-quality classroom experiences for students.

For our latest Data Snapshot, we turn to education and its importance to family economic mobility. As the data shows, education can lead to higher earnings for parents and caregivers, and lays the foundation for children’s success as adults. This compelling data is one of the key reasons why the Foundation is supporting partnerships that are creating greater access to educational opportunities.? https://lnkd.in/dcRUa3bU

In our fall newsletter, you can learn more about how the John T. Gorman Foundation is working with our partners to support an education system that helps children and families thrive. https://lnkd.in/e4H9fKKB

On the first anniversary of the Lewiston shooting, our thoughts at the John T. Gorman Foundation are with the victims of that terrible night, as well as the families and friends who continue to grieve their loss. We know there is much healing still to be done in the community and remain committed to aiding in its recovery. We are grateful to the many organizations, leaders, and other individuals from across the state who came together in the wake of this tragedy to offer support to those affected. We are especially thankful for our partners in the Lewiston area. Over the last year, they have met increased needs for services and supports with speed and compassion, even as they suffered their own losses and encountered new challenges. In that dark time a year ago, we knew the resilience of this community would be tested. But from our years of working with our partners in Lewiston, we were confident that it would stand tall – and it has. Today, the John T. Gorman Foundation is honored to stand in solidarity with this community as it continues to heal from this tragedy and strives to be one of the best places in Maine to live, work, and thrive. --Nicole Witherbee, President & CEO, John T. Gorman Foundation

Many thanks to the Children's Center- Early Intervention & Family Supportfor their exciting work to help caregivers learn new skills in resilient parenting. https://lnkd.in/epXnZeAa

Congratulations to our partners at BangorHousing and BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF BANGOR on opening their new Opportunity Center, which will offer expanded programming to children and families. "Together, we have created a space that offers hope, a space that fosters growth and a space that provides opportunity, and we know that when families thrive, our entire community becomes stronger," said Boys & Girls Club of Bangor Executive Director (and John T. Gorman Fellow) Cat Myatt. https://lnkd.in/eBWd9iHA

The latest story in Maine Public's "How Are Maine Kids Doing?" Series looks at a partnership to integrate Penobscot Community Health Care clinical services within Bangor schools and broadening student access to health care. "We have to really start rethinking what it is that we're doing and how we are supporting not only the whole child, but also families ..." https://lnkd.in/gsXcJqPB