Spurwink Awarded United Way of Southern Maine Grants to Expand Behavioral Health Services

PORTLAND, ME - Spurwink is proud to announce it has been awarded grants from United Way of Southern Maine (UWSME) to support three vital programs serving children, youth, and families across Southern Maine. These investments, made possible by the generosity of individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout the region, will help address urgent behavioral health needs and advance long-term, systemic change for those facing the greatest barriers, including ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed) households.

Grant Impact:

• Therapeutic Preschool (Saco): The UWSME grant will enable Spurwink's Therapeutic Preschool to provide advanced staff training-including Trauma Responsive Care and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification-purchase new equipment for occupational therapy and sensory regulation, and open a new classroom for children with complex behavioral health diagnoses, serving an additional 8-10 children next year.
• Mental Health Services (Cumberland and York Counties): Spurwink's Outpatient and Community Services (OCS) Program will use funding to recruit Public School Counselors for high-need schools and provide Access-to-Care funds for critical services not covered by insurance, ensuring consistent counseling and support for students.
• Children's Advocacy Center (Cumberland County): The grant will strengthen Spurwink's response to youth experiencing sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking by hiring a new part-time Forensic Interviewer, training staff in the "My Life, My Choice" curriculum, and educating 120 law enforcement, educators, and mental health professionals to recognize and respond to exploitation.

United Way of Southern Maine's investment decisions are guided by local volunteers and align with Thrive2027, a set of three community-wide goals: giving kids a strong start, empowering neighbors to thrive-not just survive, and helping us all live longer, better.

"These grants from United Way of Southern Maine are a testament to our shared commitment to building a healthier, more resilient community," said Eric Meyer, President and CEO of Spurwink. "We are grateful for UWSME's partnership and the opportunity to expand access to critical behavioral health services for those who need them most."

About Spurwink

Spurwink is a nationally accredited nonprofit organization that provides a broad range of behavioral health care, substance use disorder services and support services for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, and their families. Spurwink offers specialized programs throughout Maine with a commitment to caring relationships and treatment expertise, grounded in evidence-based, best, and promising practices. For more information, visit www.spurwink.org, or call 207.871.1200.

About United Way of Southern Maine

United Way of Southern Maine mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. True to our founding spirit, we respond whenever there is a need in our community. We take a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening, quickly responding to emerging needs, and tackling persistent issues that hold people back. Our reach across Southern Maine means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we're working towards a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential. Learn more at uwsme.org.

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Press Contact: Sandy Boyce, [email protected], 207.871.1211 x2156

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