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V O L . X X X I I N O. X X I I 24 G I V I N G G U I D E 2 0 2 6 – 2 0 2 7 N O N P RO F I T P RO F I L E 2027 GOALS Our vision is that all children have free access to support for the healthy processing of grief, and for the adults in their lives to have access to the resources needed to support them. We want every person in Maine to know about the Center's ser- vices so that no one has to grieve alone. Goal 1: Provide high-quality grief peer support programs for Maine children and their families in-person at the Center's Portland and Sanford locations and virtually. Goal 2: Support schools, workplaces and agencies through cri- sis resources and grief-related education and training. Goal 3: Recruit and retain more volunteers who will lead com- munity response to challenges and emerging needs. Goal 4: Meaningfully recognize the volunteers, donors and busi- ness sponsors who keep the Center's services free for families. AWARDS, NATIONAL RANKINGS OR RECOGNITION In 2025, our longtime volunteer and facilitator trainer Linda Kelly was honored with the 20 Outstanding Women Award pre- sented by Coast 93.1. In 2025, our longtime volunteer Maureen Keeley was honored with the Myra Kraft Community MVP Award presented by the New England Patriots Foundation. In 2025, the Center was honored as Nonprofit of the Year by the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce at PROPEL's Ignition Awards. In 2024, the Center received Declaration of National Children's Grief Awareness Month (November) by Gov. Janet Mills FUNDRAISING EVENTS/OPPORTUNITIES The Center hosts a variety of fundraising events throughout the year, from intimate gatherings to signature community celebrations, and is also honored to benefit from numerous third-party events organized by generous supporters. For the latest event information and opportunities to get involved, visit our website, follow us on social media, or contact us at cgc@cgcmaine.org. To make a gift and support our mission, please visit www.cgcmaine.org/donate. Each February, we look forward to our annual LOVE Gala, the Center's largest fundraising event and a meaningful eve- ning of connection, inspiration, and community support. Sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets are avail- able. We are especially excited that the 2027 LOVE Gala on Feb. 5, 2027 will kick off the celebration of the Center's 40th anniversary, marking four decades of providing hope and heal- ing to our community. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES f Individual Donors help create dependable revenue for the Center by making annual gifts. f "Friends of Hope" is our monthly giving program that spreads giving throughout the year. f Corporate Partners invest in a relationship that creates value for businesses, employees, the community, and the Center. f Contributions are made to the Center in memory or honor of a loved one, or to mark a special occasion or company milestone. f Bequests leave a legacy of support, by joining the Bill Hemmens Society, ensuring our services will be available for children and families for years to come. f #GivingTuesday – Dec. 1, 2026 f Center Day of Giving – early June VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Volunteers are at the heart of the Center's service and work throughout the community. f Program Facilitators make a weekly commitment to our peer-based grief support groups for children and their adult family members. The Center provides excellent training and ongoing support. f Event volunteers help make our fundraising events suc- cessful. We welcome individuals and groups of employees to assist at our events. f Office volunteers assist with a variety of projects on a one- time or ongoing basis. f Employee volunteer groups can hold their own fundraiser to benefit the Center or complete special projects in col- laboration with the Center. The Center for Grieving Children AT A GLANCE Established: 1987 Employees: 12 Annual revenue: $2,120,690 555 Forest Ave., Portland, ME 04101 (207) 775-5216 www.cgcmaine.org cgcmaine @cgcmaine @the-center-for-grieving-children MISSION STATEMENT: The Center for Grieving Children provides a safe space, compassionate peer support, outreach, and education for grieving children, teens, young adults, families and the community. Our no-cost programs are led by dedicated staff and trained volunteers. SERVICE LOCATIONS: The Center provides in-person service in our Portland and Sanford locations, while virtual groups, outreach and education extend through- out Maine and into New Hampshire. TOP FUNDING SOURCES: 56% Individual and corporate contributions (including endowment giving) 21% Events 16% Grants 7% Miscellaneous BOARD OFFICERS Lindsey Kerkela, Board President Jack Yao, Past Board President Bryan J. Shumway, Board Vice President Jennifer Kimball, Board Treasurer Brian Morin, Board Secretary Michael Anderson, At Large Jerry Lyon, At Large Shannon Moore, At Large BOARD MEMBERS Ryan Bailer Andrew Baldacci Kelly Barton Christopher Bender Cody Berkowitz Brian Cho Kim Donnelly David Eagleson Lily Hanstein Valerie Jones Kimberly Marcotte Holly Margeson Gamache Diane Mutagoma Michael Neff Elizabeth Plizga Gretchen Johnson Lindsey Kerkela P H O T O S / C O U R T E S Y O F T H E C E N T E R F O R G R I E V I N G C H I L D R E N P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F T H E C E N T E R F O R G R I E V I N G C H I L D R E N Gretchen Johnson, Executive Director LEADERSHIP

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