Each year, approximately 1.5 million youth in the United States are considered homeless at some point. November is Homeless Youth Awareness Month in Maine and nationally. New Beginnings, Inc., in conjunction with the National Runaway Switchboard, is promoting awareness through “The Green Light Project.” During the month of November, the community is encouraged to replace porch lights with a green bulb, which New Beginnings will be giving out. Central Maine Credit Union on Lisbon Street in Lewiston will also be holding a silent auction during the month of November with prizes from community businesses to benefit New Beginnings, Inc.
Established in 1980, New Beginnings provides shelter, housing and supportive services to youth and their families in the greater Lewiston/Auburn, Farmington, and Augusta areas. The agency sees roughly 450 youth annually in all their programs. In response to an increased need in the Southern Maine area, New Beginnings recently created a new Host Home Program, which will provide temporary, short-term housing in private homes. While placed in a Host Home, teens will have the opportunity and assistance from New Beginnings to work out problems with their families so they can return home.
Host Homes provide teens with an alternative to the streets, correctional facilities, or other unsafe and inappropriate living places. New Beginnings is currently seeking homes in most towns and cities in southern Maine, so that these teens can stay connected to school and their own communities. Host Home sites are provided with training, 24 hour support, and a daily stipend, and must meet eligibility and certification requirements similar to those of foster homes.
Adults or Families interested in helping teenagers and becoming a Host Home are invited to attend an Information Meeting being held Wednesday November 28, 2012 from 7-8 pm at 550 Forest Avenue, Portland, Suite 101.
You can also contact the Family Services Coordinator, Jada Caron at 207-795-4070 or jada@newbeginmaine.org for more information. Please visit New Beginnings’ website www.newbeginmaine.org for more information on all their programs and events.
