A key element in the success of Maine Reads is collaboration among our partners. These organizations are united in their desire to promote literacy in our state. Through our network we hope to link the public with appropriate literacy services. To learn about our partners, click on the links below.
To see what's happening in Maine, check out the Literacy Calendar of Events. To have your events/programs added to the calendar, send in a short description in the calendar format (Date, place, time, brief description (30 words or less) with contact info to info@mainereads.org.
CareerCenters
CareerCenters are becoming the resource of choice for information about employment services. For employers, CareerCenters are the place to find workers, resources to help train them and information you need to compete in today's economy. For job seekers, CareerCenters will help you find your first job, your next job, a better job-- or a whole new career. It's also the place to find information about training and education. To learn more about CareerCenters, visit http://www.mainecareercenter.com/
Literacy Volunteers of Maine
142 High Street, Suite 632, Portland, ME 04102, (800) 322-5455 or 773-3191
The goal of Literacy Volunteers of Maine is to change lives through literacy. LV Maine is a statewide network of literacy providers that is dedicated to providing increased access to literacy services for Maine adults and their families. Literacy Volunteers affiliates provide student-focused tutoring (one-to-one or in small groups) in basic literacy and English as a Second Language at no charge to the student. To learn more about Literacy Volunteers of Maine, visit http://www.lvmaine.org/
Maine Family Literacy Initiative
4829 Tara View Road, Leesburg, Florida 34748 207 441-9965.
The Maine Family Literacy Initiative is a program of the Barabara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy designed to support the development and/or improvement of family literacy throughout the state of Maine. To learn more about the Maine Family Literacy Initiative, visit http://www.mainefamilyliteracy.com
Maine Department of Education and Maine Adult Education
23 State House Station, Augusta ME 04333-0023, (207) 624-6755
Members of the Department of Education believe that Maine should be the best place in the nation to live, work and pursue individual, family and community aspirations. They further believe that quality education serves as the foundation for Maine's future. It is their vision that all Maine people have equal opportunities for life-long quality educational services. Specifically designed for adult educators, collaborating agencies, and learners, the Maine Adult Education web site contains information, resources, and links about adult education in Maine as well as links to related information. To learn more about the Maine Department of Education, visit http://www.state.me.us/education/ . For Maine Adult Education Association http://www.maineadulted.org.
Maine Humanities Council
674 Brighton Avenue, Portland ME 04102, (207) 773-2416
Maine Humanities Council is a statewide private, nonprofit organization with a mission to engage the people of Maine with the power and pleasure of ideas. The Council's programs, and the projects it supports through small grants, are intended to encourage a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, foster wisdom in an age of information, and provide context in a time of change. Areas of special interest include:
- reading and literacy
- community history and cultural heritage
- teacher enrichment
- humanities perspectives on contemporary issues
To learn more about the Maine Humanities Council, visit http://www.mainehumanities.org/links.asp.
Maine Libraries
Maine Libraries – public, school, academic, hospital, museum, and other specialized libraries – have diverse collections, vary in size, and are scattered throughout the largest cities and smallest towns. They provide ready access to information and resources that are difficult to find anywhere else. To find a library near you that has what you need, go to www.mainelibraries.com. And don't miss the Maine Literary Map Literary Map and its online blog.
Maine Parent Federation
Maine Parent Federation is a private non-profit organization that provides
information, support and training to parents and professionals.
Individuals can receive information about: specific disabilities,
parenting issues, education, services, supports groups, resources
available to assist families and professional within the home, school and
community. All services are at no cost.
To learn more about The Maine Parent Federation, visit http://www.mpf.org
Maine Public Broadcasting Network
Offices in Bangor, Lewiston, Portland, 1-800-884-1717
The Maine Public Broadcasting Network (MPBN) engages the minds and enriches the lives of people in our community through non-commercial programs and learning opportunities marked by excellence and integrity. Examples of educational programs promoting literacy and fostering a love of books offered on the MPBN's television and radio stations include broadcast of Reading Rainbow, an acclaimed children's television series aired by PBS since 1983 that encourages reading among children, and Selected Shorts, an award-winning, one-hour program from National Public Radio featuring readings of classic and new short fiction, in which great actors from stage, screen and television read and bring short stories to life. Also, each weekday at 9:00 am MPBN broadcasts The Writer's Almanac, a short program hosted by Garrison Keillor that features poetry readings and interesting facts about some of America's most famous (and not so famous) authors.
To learn more about MPBN, visit http://www.mpbn.net.
Maine State Library
State House Station #64, Augusta ME 04333, (207) 287-5600
The Maine State Library is in Augusta, directly beside the State Capitol building. Its purpose is to lead in efforts that will provide, broaden and improve access to library material and information regardless of location or residency of individual citizens. To learn more about the Maine State Library, visit http://www.state.me.us/msl/
Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance
1326 Washington St., Bath, ME 04530, (207) 386-1400
MWPA promotes the value of literature and the art of writing by building a community of publishers, writers and readers of all ages in Maine. Through its extensive outreach programs, the Alliance serves schools, libraries and the general public in addition to Maine's literary community. MWPA sponsors workshops, panel discussions and school writing contests and is a member of the Maine Literacy Task Force. To learn more about Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance, visit http://www.mainewriters.org/
Portland Public Library
5 Monument Square, Portland ME 04101, (207) 871-1700
The Portland Public Library serves over 400,000 citizens each year. More than an informational resource, it is a lively place for cultural, artistic and intellectual pursuits. The library hosts stimulating presentations on diverse topics, children's programs including weekly story times to promote literacy, book discussion groups, the Brown Bag Lecture Series featuring guest authors, monthly art exhibits and a changing array of special events. All programs are free and open to the public. To learn more about the Portland Public Library, visit http://www.portlandlibrary.com/
Raising Readers
P.O. Box 17826, Portland ME 04112, 541-7560 or (800) 397-3263
Raising Readers, a health and literacy initiative in Maine, promotes reading to young children between the ages of birth and five by giving them beautiful new books as part of their regular well child visits. The goal is to give all children in Maine, regardless of economic means, a dozen books by the time they reach age five. We are already providing books to over 80% of Maine's youngest citizens and are working to train health care providers about issues related to adult and early childhood literacy. To learn more about Raising Readers, visit http://www.raisingreaders.net/
Read Aloud
Family Literacy Foundation's programs encourage parents and extended family members to read aloud with young children, with special emphasis on the first five years, for the educational and emotional benefits to all involved. To learn more about Read Aloud, visit http://www.read2kids.org/readaloud.htm
Success by 6
United Way of Mid Coast Maine, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Suite 201, Bath ME 04330-1515, (207) 443-9752
Success by 6, a community-wide partnership in Mid Coast Maine, is dedicated to ensuring that all area children get the best possible start in life with the support of their families and the whole community. Promoting reading to infants and young children and increasing educational support for families are among the partnership's highest priorities.
To learn more about Success by 6, visit http://www.uwmcm.org/
The Telling Room
225 Commercial Street, Suite 201, Portland, ME, 04101. 207.774.6064.
The Telling Room is a nonprofit writing center in Portland, Maine, dedicated to the idea that children and young adults are natural storytellers. Focused on young writers ages 6 to 18, we seek to build confidence, strengthen literacy skills, and provide real audiences for our students’ stories. We believe that the power of creative expression can change our communities and prepare our youth for future success. To learn more go to www.tellingroom.org. writers@tellingroom.org
University of Maine System
107 Maine Avenue, Bangor ME 04401, (207) 973-3240
The University of Maine System is made up of seven universities serving 30,000 students statewide. Each university has a distinct mission and serves as the educational and cultural center of its community, while providing extraordinary opportunities to students: University of Maine at Augusta, at Farmington, at Fort Kent, at Machias, at Presque Isle, University of Southern Maine and University of Maine School of Law.
To learn more about the University of Maine System, visit http://www.maine.edu
2012
Friday, February 3, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Gates Auditorium, College of the Atlantic, 105 Eden St., Bar Harbor
Questions for Our Time: Rascist Language and Stereotyping in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
www.islandreadersandwriters.org
Tuesday, February 7, 6-8 pm
Belfast
Families, teachers and providers are invited to interact with a panel of experts on financial planning and trusts for people with disabilities. Free. www.mpf.org. RSVP Maine Parent Federation, 1 800 870-7746/623-8523, bjones@mpf.org.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Alfond Youth Center, 126 North St., Waterville.
“Positive Behavioral Supports & Tantrum Management: Self-Preservation & Success in Parenting Children with Behavioral Health Needs”
Presented by Paige Cummings/Diane Bouffard, GEAR Regional Parent Support Coordinators, 207 612-8996
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Cross Key Ministries, Main Street, E. Millinocket
“Take Action Against Bullying”
Identify the warning signs of both the victim and the bully. Prevention and effective coping skills will be explored.Presented by Tonya Gray, GEAR Regional Parent Support Coordinator 269-2234; tgray@crisisandcounseling.org
Friday February 10, 9 am-Noon
Waterville, Location TBA, $25 per person
"Continuous Program Improvement: It’s Not Just About External Evaluations"
The three tines of the Trident model for program improvement -- stakeholder assessments, data, and research/professional wisdom will be discussed and demonstrated. With Peter Caron and Pat Hughes. MEFLI 207-441-9965/ becky@mainefamilyliteracy.com
Saturday, February 11, 2012 from 5:30 to 8:00 pm
The Neighborhood House, Northeast Harbor, 1 Joy Rd.
The Big Read Maine Finale. www.islandreadersandwriters.org
Monday, February 13, 2012 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cafeteria at Brunswick Junior High School, 65 Columbia Drive, Brunswick
Managing Stress: Strategies for Recognizing & Reducing Stress
Presented by Norman LeBlanc, GEAR Regional Parent Support Coordinator 721-0161; nleblanc@crisisandcounseling.org
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Crisis and Counseling, 10 Caldwell Rd., Augusta
“Positive Behavioral Supports & Tantrum Management: Self-Preservation & Success in Parenting Children with Behavioral Health Needs” Presented by Paige Cummings/Diane Bouffard, GEAR Regional Parent Support Coordinators, 207 612-8996
Thursday, February 16, 2012 from 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Mid Coast Maine Community Action, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath
Managing Stress: Strategies for Recognizing & Reducing Stress
Presented by Norman LeBlanc, GEAR Regional Parent Support Coordinator 721-0161; nleblanc@crisisandcounseling.org
Tuesday, February, 21, 2012 from 5:00 to 6:00PM
Wings, 900 Hammond Street, Bangor
“Family Fun Night”
Come paint some pots for flowers, color pictures and just make some one-on-one connection. Presented by Tonya Gray, GEAR Regional Parent Support Coordinator 269-2234; tgray@crisisandcounseling.org
Friday, February 24, 2012 from 10:30-12:30 p.m.
KidsPeace of New England, 16 KidsPeace Way, Ellsworth
“Raising Successful Readers”
Presented by Cindy Seekins, GEAR Program Manager/Regional Parent Support Coordinator 223-9993; cseekins@crisisandcounseling.org
Friday, February 24, 9 am-Noon
Maple Hill Farms, Hallowell, $25 per person
"Lessons Learned in the Home That are Applicable in the Classroom" The workshop will offer effective strategies for family literacy success throughout the “adolescence lifespan” of teen parents. With Martha Kemp. MEFLI 207-441-9965/ becky@mainefamilyliteracy.com
Monday, February, 27, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Mayo Regional Hospital, 897 W. Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft
“Family Fun Night”
Come paint some pots for flowers, color pictures and just make some one-on-one connection. Presented by Tonya Gray, GEAR Regional Parent Support Coordinator 269-2234; tgray@crisisandcounseling.org
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 from 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Youth & Family Services, 5 Commerce Dr., Skowhegan
“Positive Behavioral Supports & Tantrum Management: Self-Preservation & Success in Parenting Children with Behavioral Health Needs”
Presented by Paige Cummings/Diane Bouffard, GEAR Regional Parent Support Coordinators, 207 612-8996
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Head Start, 3 Back Searsport Road, Searsport
“Ask a Speech Pathologist, Question and Answer Format”
Presented by:Amy Reid, M.A., CF-SLP, Waldo County General Hospital.Are you concerned about your child's speech development? Join us for this free informative workshop! Cindy Seekins, GEAR Program Manager/Regional Parent Support Coordinator 223-9993; cseekins@crisisandcounseling.org
Thursday, March 1, 2012, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Mobius, Inc., 319 Main St, Damariscotta
"Discipline: Deciding What You Want"
Please come and join in the discussion about parenting our children who have Behavioral Health needs. Presented by Norman LeBlanc, GEAR Regional Parent Support Coordinator 721-0161; nleblanc@crisisandcounseling.org
Tuesday, March 4, 2012 from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Alfond Youth Center, 126 North St., Waterville
“Take Action Against Bullying”
Identify the warning signs of both the victim and the bully. Prevention and effective coping skills will be explored.Presented by Paige Cummings/Diane Bouffard, GEAR Regional Parent Support Coordinators, 207 612-8996
Wednesday, March 7, 2012 5:45pm-7pm
Opportunity Alliance-PROP East End Children’s Workshop, 215 Congress, Portland
“Supporting and Communicating with Young Children Experiencing Big Emotions” Presented by: Jasmine Smith, LCPC-c; Mental Health Clinician, Opportunity Alliance—PROP & Bethanie Jacques, LCPC-c; Children’s Coordinator, CASA (Dinner and Support from 4:30-5:45pm) Presented by Gear. Contact: Laurie Cavanaugh, 207 518-9546; lcavanaugh@crisisandcounseling.org
Tuesday, March 11, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Crisis and Counseling, 10 Caldwell St., Augusta
“Take Action Against Bullying”
Identify the warning signs of both the victim and the bully. Prevention and effective coping skills will be explored.Presented by Paige Cummings/Diane Bouffard, GEAR Regional Parent Support Coordinators, 207 612-8996
Monday, March 12, 2012 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cafeteria at Brunswick Junior High,65 Columbia Drive, Brunswick
“Disaster Preparedness: Families Prepare and Empower Themselves to Persevere Through Traumatic Events and Unexpected Disaster”
This workshop focuses on the reactions & needs of children in times of unexpected disaster. Presented by Norman LeBlanc, GEAR Regional Parent Support Coordinator 721-0161; nleblanc@crisisandcounseling.org
Wednesday, March 14, 2012 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Cross Key Ministries, Main Street, E. Millinocket
“Toxic Chemicals and Our Children’s Developing Brains”
Learn why it is important to protect you family from toxic chemical exposures.Presented by Tonya Gray, GEAR Regional Parent Support Coordinator 269-2234; tgray@crisisandcounseling.org
Wednesday March 14, 2012 from: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Central Maine Medical Center, Lewiston
“Supporting Stress in Children and Area Resources”
A panel of area experts will discuss the types of stress children and youth experience and how to help them cope through the community programs and resources available. Presented by Gear. Contact: Laurie Cavanaugh, 207 518-9546; lcavanaugh@crisisandcounseling.org
Thursday, March 15, 2012 from 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Mid Coast Maine Community Action, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath
“Disaster Preparedness: Families Prepare and Empower Themselves to Persevere Through Traumatic Events and Unexpected Disaster”
This workshop focuses on the reactions & needs of children in times of unexpected disaster. Presented by Norman LeBlanc, GEAR Regional Parent Support Coordinator 721-0161; nleblanc@crisisandcounseling.org
Wednesday March 21, 2012 from: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Stephen’s Memorial Hospital, Norway
“Supporting Stress in Children and Area Resources”
A panel of area experts will discuss the types of stress children and youth experience and how to help them cope through the community programs and resources available. Presented by Gear. Contact: Laurie Cavanaugh, 207 518-9546; lcavanaugh@crisisandcounseling.org
Thursday, March 22, 10 am-2 pm
Maple Hill Farms, Hallowell,$25 per person (Lunch included)
"Family Literacy and Career Pathways: Two Effective Approaches; One Effective Program" This session will focus on the interconnectedness between the aims of Career Pathways endeavors and the goals of Family Literacy programs, especially as relates to the linkage between Adult Literacy gains, the developmental advancement of children, and long-term self and family sufficiency. With Peter Caron. MEFLI 207-441-9965/ becky@mainefamilyliteracy.com
Friday, March 23, 2012 from 10:30-12:30 p.m.
KidsPeace of New England, 16 KidsPeace Way, Ellsworth
“Normal Stages of Child Development”
Learn about the building blocks of development that help young children grow up healthy, caring and responsible. Presented by Cindy Seekins, GEAR Program Manager/Regional Parent Support Coordinator 223-9993;cseekins@crisisandcounseling.org
Tuesday, March 25, 2012 from 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Youth & Family Services, 5 Commerce Dr., Skowhegan
“Take Action Against Bullying”
Identify the warning signs of both the victim and the bully. Prevention and effective coping skills will be explored.Presented by Paige Cummings/Diane Bouffard, GEAR Regional Parent Support Coordinators, 207 612-8996
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Head Start, 3 Back Searsport Road, Searsport
“Raising Successful Readers”
Presented by Cindy Seekins, GEAR Program Manager/Regional Parent Support Coordinator 223-9993; cseekins@crisisandcounseling.org
Thursday, March 29, 2012, 8:30 am-3:30 pm
Thomas College, Waterville ME
"Children Succeed When Parents Succeed"
Sponsored by the Maine Family Literacy Initiative, a program of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, the conference is designed to build authentic collaboration, to invite all who participate in the collaboration to the table, and to continue to reach out to all programs in a collaborative manner. Pre-registration required. www.mainefamilyliteracy.com. Contact: phughes@rsu3.org
Thursday-Sunday, March 29-April 1, 2012
Portland
The sixth annual Maine Festival of the Book
Presentations, parties, and performances, with a full day of FREE programming. Saturday, March 31 from 9 am - 5 pm at the Abromson Center, University of Southern Maine. Something for all ages and interests. www.mainereads.org
Friday, April 6, 9 am-Noon
Maple Hill Farms, Hallowell, $25 per person
"Music Together, Music Together"
This workshop will be hands-on and participants will leave with a broader knowledge of music making ideas for families and young children. With Jessica Day. MEFLI 207-441-9965/ becky@mainefamilyliteracy.com
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