November 2023

Dear friends,

Good things are happening. Across our community and right here at The Opportunity Alliance.

TOA envisions a community in which all people in Maine have access to high-quality childcare and early childhood education programs, safe and stable housing, effective and compassionate mental health and substance use treatment, and basic needs supports. We’re working to make that vision a reality with a collection of programs and services that do all of that, and more.

People often wonder what The Opportunity Alliance does. TOA works with communities and residents to help them overcome the challenges that are keeping them in poverty or unsafe. We’re behind the scenes and on the ground with 50+ programs that are caring for individuals and families across Maine.

So far this year:

• TOA’s Work Life Advisor Program has helped 143 individuals become job-ready and find employment opportunities.
• Our Homelessness Prevention Program has assisted 551 households find or remain in safe, stable housing.
• 87 families have gone through TOA Parenting Education courses, which keep children and their parents safe, healthy, and together.
• The Maine Crisis Line has answered 100,633 calls.

And that’s just the beginning! In the coming weeks you’ll hear more about all the good things happening and what we are hopeful for in 2024.

This is the time of year when we raise most of the funds that power our work. Donations during our annual appeal are critical to our work. I hope you’ll consider supporting all the good that is taking place.

Thank you,

Joe Everett

> Good Things Are Happening.

Here at TOA, we believe in people’s capacity to succeed with the proper support systems in place. Here in Maine, we’ve seen that firsthand. In these uncertain and often scary times, our clients, staff, and long-time partners all around the state are exercising daily acts of resilience, kindness, courage, and creativity.

Your gift makes a difference!

Together, we are making GOOD THINGS happen.

Learn more about GOOD THINGS HAPPENING

by watching the video below.

Staying Informed

> Winter Warm-Up Campaign

The Development Team is busy preparing for our annual Winter Warm-Up campaign and is actively looking for partners in the community to support our clients during the upcoming holidays and winter season. Please review the many ways you can partner with us below and reach out with questions.

>Residential Gift Drive

We are looking for community-minded local businesses, individuals, and families to participate in this year’s Residential Gift Drive!

Each year, community partners are paired with one of TOA’s six Residential Treatment Programs to provide various holiday gifts. Residential staff work with the clients to develop easy-to-follow Amazon wishlists, which are then sent to the community partner to be fulfilled. Gifts are then delivered to TOA and distributed to the residential clients.

A typical residence houses an average of eight to twelve clients. Interested businesses are encouraged to commit to providing gifts for an entire residence, while individuals/families will be paired with smaller groups to cover any gaps.

This is a great way to make the holidays special for folks that may not be able to celebrate with their families or have families to celebrate with – and the feedback is always so positive!

Anyone interested in signing up should contact Connor Archibald at connor.archibald@opportunityalliance.org as soon as possible to receive your wishlist with enough lead time to purchase the gifts.

> Host a Company/ Group Gift Card Drive!

If your company, church, or group is looking for a team bonding activity for the holidays that will truly make a positive impact in the lives of our clients - consider hosting a gift card drive. Providing gift cards to families and individuals in need empowers them to make choices that meet their needs best.

We appreciate cards ranging from $10-100 from establishments like Dunkin Donuts, Target, Walmart, Irving, Hannaford Supermarket, Market Basket, Amazon, Burlington Coat Factory, etc.

> Save the date for #GivingTuesday!

All #GivingTuesday proceeds will benefit our Winter Warm-Up Campaign.

Questions? Contact Connor.Archibald at Connor.Archibald@OpportunityAlliance.org.

> Crisis Resources are a Call or Text Away

If you or someone you love is in crisis, call The Maine Crisis Line to be connected to a

trained Crisis Specialist.