River Coalition programs boosted by $17,000 in grants

OLD TOWN – The River Coalition has received $17,000 in grant money to help pay for programs in the area.

A $12,000 grant from the Aristotle Fund of the Maine Community Foundation will support a weeklong summer program to provide hands-on math and science activities and trips for low-income middle school pupils. The program is an extension of the after-school Learning Without Borders program.

“It provides experiential opportunities for youth to work on math and science concepts in a fun way,” Shawn Yardley of the River Coalition said Friday.

The after-school program had its pilot in Greenbush last year and was successful, according to Yardley. The coalition has hopes of expanding the program.

“It’s separate from the school day, but it certainly is cognizant of and sensitive to the [state’s new Learning Results standards], but [stays] within our mission of building self-esteem and having a safe place for kids,” Yardley said.

By giving children a time and place to do homework after school, the program gives them more time with their families in the evening.

“If we can help structure a child’s day in a way that gives them some time with their family then that’s a good thing,” Yardley said.

The coalition also received a $5,000 grant from a variety of sources to send two representatives from the Penobscot Nation to a five-day leadership workshop in Washington, D.C.

One representative will be Elizabeth Tomer, the River Coalition’s American Indian program specialist. The other will be selected by Penobscot Nation officials.

“What we’re hoping is that they will come back and be able to lead workshops and training both for teachers and those people that work with young people, and young people themselves,” Yardley said.

The grant is provided by the Cummings Fund, the Frederic Future Fund, the Pine Tree Fund, the Rural Grants Fund of the Maine Community Foundation and the Dakota Fund.

One of the main objectives of the coalition’s comprehensive plan is to “develop and promote cultural appreciation programs that will aid in creating environments that welcome and celebrate students and their families from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.” This grant is a step in that direction, according to Yardley.

The River Coalition is a nonprofit organization that focuses on children and their families in the six river communities of Alton, Bradley, Greenbush, Indian Island, Milford and Old Town. Its purpose is to link resources, ideas, energy and experience to foster and support stronger, more caring communities.