October 2023

Dear friends, 

Every day in the news we see reasons why our work here at The Opportunity Alliance is more important than ever. I hope you'll take a moment to watch this short video featuring TOA clients and staff. I shared this with my colleagues recently as a reminder that not only do we get to work with amazing people and communities each and every day, but the work we do is important.

Recently, the Board of Directors updated the agency's Mission & Vision statements to reflect our current work, while also staying true to who we are as an agency. We've asked our 500+ employees for their feedback on the agency's Values- we'll be sure to share those with you once they are updated.

Mission: To build better lives and stronger communities across Maine, The Opportunity Alliance supports people with the programs and resources they need to improve their health, safety, and stability. 

Vision: The Opportunity Alliance 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.

Thank you for helping to fulfill this mission. Regardless of how you support TOA- whether you donate, volunteer, or tell your community about our programs, you are helping to change lives.

Joe 

> RAISE 2023 Recap

On Thursday, September 28, 100 of TOA's closest friends attended RAISE at the Michael J. Tarpinian Family Center. The event brought together staff, board members, and community partners to connect and honor TOA's important mission and far reaching impact.

The amazing connections, fun jazz music, and rich assortment of food and drinks helped show off how unique our communities are here in Southern Maine. And our new mission and vision statements and our newest video were shared to show how we are evolving and growing as a community action agency.

Proceeds from this event support TOA's 55+ programs and keep our neighbors in need safe, warm, and connected to vital resources. We cannot wait until we can celebrate with you all again soon!

VIEW THE FULL PHOTO ALBUM HERE

2023 Host Committee



Led by: Wendy & Mark Morrissette, Anne & Geoff LaFond, Betsy & Rob Tod

Anita Chandler, Elizabeth & Richard Conrad, Joe Everett, Fran Hutchinson, Woodman & Connie Jones, Bernie & Dana Kavanagh, Angus & Cricket King, Lily Lynch & Chris Bentson, Ghomri Rostampour, Barbara & Robert Schneider, Tim Soley & Maria Gallace, Josh & Lea Steirman, Mike & Nancy Tarpinian, Colette Twigg & Rob Rowse, Penny Wheeler-Abbott

THANK YOU 2023 EVENT SPONSORS:

Staying Informed

> Winter Warm-Up Campaign

Fall is here and the temperatures are starting to drop. At TOA, we are gearing up for another Winter Warm-Up Campaign to meet the need of our neighbors and keep them safe and warm this winter.

There are several ways you can get involved to power our work and expand our reach to more Maine individuals and families.

> 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.

We also appreciate Winter Warm-Up kits for our unhoused community members and this is a great team activity.

> Donate gift cards directly to TOA

You can mail gift cards directly to:

The Opportunity Alliance

c/o The Development Team

50 Lydia Lane

South Portland, ME 04106

> Make a monetary donation online HERE!

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

> Monthly Spotlight: Aaron Hoffman

To read this spotlight and view other profiles visit our BLOG.