Children's Center

There are many ways to support young children and their families. We deeply appreciate the financial support we receive from the community – from individuals and businesses in Central Maine and beyond.

And there are other ways to support the mission of the Children’s Center, as well!

Here are additional ways to get involved:

•    share information about the Children’s Center with parents and caregivers of young children;
•    advocate for young children and their families;
•    advocate for inclusion;
•    volunteer to support young children and their families;
•    help out at the Chili Chowder Challenge (our annual community-based fund raiser);
•    donate items for our live and silent auctions (held at the Chili Chowder Challenge);
•    help out throughout the year with yard work and play ground projects at the Children’s Center;
•    volunteer to read or assist in the classrooms at the Children’s Center;
•    see "Other Giving" opportunities, below;
•    tell others about how they can support the Children’s Center, too.

The Children’s Center has its very beginnings based in community support, and it has continued to be sustained through the years by the support of the community.

We serve young children and their families in the Augusta, Waterville and Skowhegan areas; serving children who are identified as being at-risk and families who are looking for an inclusive, caring and supportive environment as they raise their young children. 

THANK YOU from the Children’s Center’s staff and Board of Directors for your support, and THANK YOU from all the families that thank us!

The Children's Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization.

Your donations help support the programs and services that offer such a great support to the children of Central Maine.

Each year, hundreds of children & their families in Central Maine benefit from the services provided at and through the Children's Center's offices in Augusta and Skowhegan.

The Children's Center provides child care; early intervention services: speech, physical and occupational therapies; early education; targeted case management; family support services; parent and child care provider education programs - all in an inclusive, nuturing, center-based environment.

The financial support we receive from YOU helps make this all happen!

The Children’s Center Greatly Appreciates You! 

The Chili Chowder Challenge is the Children's Center's major annual fundraiser. Held each March, it is a family-friendly event open to the entire community. This year's event will be held on Saturday, March 24th, 2012, from 11:00 am - 1:30 pm.  Tickets for the event are only $10 for individuals, $25 for families (children aged 11 & under are free!). 

Local restaurants come together in a friendly competition, pitting their best chili &/ or chowder recipes against each other. Attendees sample the restaurants' offerings, and cast their ballots for "best chili," "best chowder," "most original chowder," "most original chili,"  "most creative display," and "most original name (of the chili or chowder entries)."

With loads of kid-friendly activities, live musical entertainment (Terrie Kee and Friends), hotdogs and icecream, lots of silent auction items, and a very dynamic live auction (with Maine Humorist Gary Crocker as Auctioneer!), the Chili Chowder Challenge makes for a very fun event for everyone in the family! 

There are many ways to help the children at the Children’s Center. Donations of the items listed below would be greatly appreciated. Remember all donations are tax deductible.    

Memorial Gifts

Memorial Gifts honor the memory of someone who has passed away and provide a way to express sympathy to a family. Families are notified of gifts made in memory of a loved one.

Tribute Gifts

Tribute Gifts honor living individuals, often to acknowledge birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, births, or to acknowledge other special occasions.  Businesses and individuals may make charitable gifts in someone's name in lieu of traditional holiday gifts.

Matching Gifts

Many organizations and companies have programs in place that will match your gift, maximizing your support. Check with your company about this option.

Bequests

Leaving a gift of real estate, personal property, or cash is a wonderful way to create a legacy of caring and support for the young children of central Maine. Please contact us for more information.

Sponsorship

 Community businesses and other community organizations have been instrumental in the growth and improvement at the Children's Center. There are numerous ways companies and organizations can sponsor programs and services. Please contact us for more information.  

THANK YOU for visiting the Children's Center's Website!

We strive to develop a strong relationship with the business community in central Maine.

How we support the business community:

 We offer services that can support your employees' work/life balance:

·        Childcare with Early Education in an inclusive setting

·        Early Intervention Services (occupational, physical and speech therapies)

·        In-home Family Support Services

·        Parent Education Programs

 We offer a meaningful way for you and your employees to impact the community:

·        Your support helps the young children of our community go to school ready to learn

·        Investing in early education offers a strong ROI: for every $1 spent on high-quality early care and education, as many as $17 can be saved over the lifetime of the child - and the community as a whole greatly benefits

 Partnering with the Children's Center generates goodwill for your business in the community!

 How the business community can support us:   

·        Share information about our programs with your employees

·        Sponsorship Opportunities: Chili Chowder Challenge, Special Programs

·        Donating Items: for children; for families; for our Live or Silent Auctions

·        Donate time: helping out with yard work and projects around the Center

·       Match your employees' financial donations to the Center

·       Support our Development Campaigns: Endowment Fund; Capital Improvements; Planned Giving

Contact us for more information: 

Director of Development: 207-626-3497, extension130