New Ventures Maine has received a grant in the amount of $18,473 from United Way of Southern Maine’s Women United, a giving circle focused on helping single mothers achieve financial security for their families. The grant will support the Career Success for Single Moms program, a class series which combines career planning, financial education and individual coaching to support graduates to make informed career and financial decisions and strengthen the economic security of their families.
This funding will sustain family economic supports by serving low-income single mothers in Cumberland and York Counties, including ALICE households—those who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed, and often struggle to afford basic living costs despite earning above the federal poverty level. Three out of four single mothers in Southern Maine are ALICE.
The goal is for graduates to leave the program with the confidence, knowledge, skills, and access to resources they need to pursue high-wage, in-demand employment, meet their financial needs, and achieve their financial goals.
“Serving ALICE households directly aligns with Women United’s goals of empowering women and families, particularly those facing adversity,” said NVME Executive Director Janet Smith. “By addressing the unique challenges of single mothers and families in transition, we are creating opportunities for women to regain their independence, improve their well-being, and break cycles of poverty.”
Women United’s investment decisions are guided by members and volunteers and are designed to address urgent needs while also supporting long-term, systemic change that strengthens community resilience and advances health, youth opportunity, and financial security—especially for single mothers who are ALICE.
“Many single mothers work hard every day yet still struggle to make ends meet. Through Women United, we invest in solutions that help ALICE families move from surviving to thriving,” said Kristin Chase Duffy, Chief Operating and Communications Officer, United Way of Southern Maine. “New Ventures Maine’s Career Success for Single Moms program provides the skills, coaching, and support women need to strengthen their financial security and create new opportunities for their families. We are proud to invest in the potential of women and families throughout Southern Maine.”
These investments are made possible by the generous support of individuals, businesses, and organizations across Southern Maine.
About United Way of Southern Maine
United Way of Southern Maine mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. True to our founding spirit, we respond whenever there is a need in our community. We take a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening, quickly responding to emerging needs, and tackling persistent issues that hold people back. Our reach across Southern Maine means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential. Learn more at uwsme.org.