Dear Melanie ,

"Then followed that beautiful season of summer. Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape lay, as if new-created in all the freshness of childhood" - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Thanks to your continued support, YWCA Central Maine ensures children in our care leave with full bellies and have the support they need especially as we head into summer.  

Childhood and Summer: Being a child is something we only experience once, and being a child during the summer months is something we look back on fondly as this magical moment in time. Playing outside until it gets dark, making smores by a campfire, swimming, catching fireflies, and eating popsicles before they melt. Children have their entire lives to worry about grown up stuff and at the YWCA, we believe strongly that when children are in our care, they need to be kids. From games, field trips, bubbles, swinging, swimming, friendship bracelets, and basketball, we consider it a great honor to be a part of this magical time in their lives.

Childcare in Maine: It’s no secret that the cost of childcare has risen and the options for parents, especially during the summer, continue to be a great challenge. While some summer camps are affiliated with privilege and high-income, it is in fact a basic need. This need is even more significant for working families, particularly those who struggle economically, and single parent households, many of which are led by women. Many families struggle with having to miss work when they don’t have reliable childcare and others struggle to afford it. At the YWCA, we do our part to make programs like childcare and summer camp affordable. Regardless of a family’s financial means, YWCA strives to offer affordable ways for children to access a safe and nurturing childcare environment by providing scholarships for summer camp, accepting subsidy, and making it part of our mission to find creative ways to sustain the program.

This summer, we will welcome 110 children into our building. For 10 weeks, we will provide summer camp to help make memorable experiences and foster personal growth in children in the Lewiston-Auburn community. With your help, we can help ensure that every child, regardless of their socio-economic status and background has a chance to enjoy a fulfilling summer.

The value of Your Gift: Whether you donate yearly, monthly, or have a portion of your paycheck directly deposited, every dollar we receive counts and helps us to offer quality childcare, health and wellness programs, and equity and justice programs to the greater Lewiston-Auburn community and future generations. Donations can be made on our website (ywcamaine.org) or scan the QR code to donate now.

P.S. As a valued friend, your commitment to give to YWCA Central Maine sets an example for us all. Thank you for investing in the programs we offer, the next generation we help mold to be future leaders, business owners, and community members, and thank you for embracing our mission to eliminate racism and empower women. I’m asking you to please make a gift to YWCA Central Maine today, because summer will become fall, and the needs of the community will continue to fall at our feet, and we need strong advocates like you to make it all happen!

DONATE TODAY!

With great gratitude,

Melanie LaMore Gagnon, CEO

YWCA Giving FAQ

How does YWCA Central Maine use my donation?

When you give to the YWCA, you are helping support our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen our community. The YWCA seeks to end all forms of oppression and discrimination in our community through education, advocacy, and direct action. Donations go toward day-to-day expenses for childcare, food, upkeep of the building and pool, our signature events, ongoing programming, and enrichment classes, and the numerous other expenses related to operating the YWCA.

What if I only have $5?

No amount is too small! Did you know that you can have your donation directly deposited from your checking or savings accounts? You can fill out an ACH form via our front desk, have it come it of RecDesk, or set up PayPal to come out weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. You choose whatever amount works best for your budget.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes! YWCA Central Maine is a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 01-0211570. All donations are deemed tax-deductible contributions for income, gifts, and estate taxes.

Are there other ways I can give to YWCA other than cash?

Absolutely. There are several ways:

· In-Kind Donations - Examples: Items for events, food, great condition toys and books, wood chips

· Service Donations - Examples: Construction, landscaping, electrical, plumbing, paving, photography

· Amazon Wish List - Our childcare program is always in need of supplies. https://bit.ly/YWCAwishlist

·  United Way - Donate via your paycheck by designating to YWCA Central Maine

How do I incorporate the YWCA into my will, planned giving, and/or estate planning?

We teamed up with FreeWill, who specializes in making it easy for you to leave your legacy to the organizations most important to you.

Just visit the Get Involved tab on our website to see all the ways to give. Click on the way you’d like to set up a gift and you will be led to our FreeWill site and given step by step instructions.

How Do I Sponsor an Event or Program?

We have signature events and fundraisers, as well as one-off events that arise throughout the year. We typically have a very limited budget for these events and are looking for sponsors. Examples of events: Stand Against Racism Conference April 2025, Women of Achievement Awards March 2026, Benefit Days, Spread the Love gift basket fundraiser, YW Strive (workforce development program). To sponsor an event contact Jennifer Molloy, Chief Development and Communications Officer at jmolloy@ywcamaine.org.

How Do I Become a Corporate Sponsor?

Being an annual corporate sponsor allows us to plan budgets based on an annual donation and ensures that your business receives recognition throughout the year. To learn more about being a Corporate Sponsor contact Jennifer Molloy, Chief Development and Communications Officer at jmolloy@ywcamaine.org

130 East Avenue, Lewiston, Maine 04240 | P: 207.795.4050 | F: 207.795.4053 | www.ywcamaine.org