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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 25 M A R C H 2 3 , 2 0 1 5 Today, at MPTC, I get to play a role in transforming young lives. And, in some instances, saving those lives. We are conducting serious business at MPTC with ramifications that will last a lifetime. My Place Teen Center 755 Main Street, Westbrook Executive Director: Donna Dwyer Founded: May 1998 Business: Nonprofit offering after-school programming and meals year round for at-risk youths aged 10-18. Employees: 8 (120 volunteers) Total income (FY ended June 2014): $616,282 Contact: donna@myplaceteencenter.org 207-854-2800 serves 500 at-risk youth who are disabled, homeless, food insecure, cognitively delayed, low-income, immi- grants and refugee teens aged 10-18. On an average day upwards of 80 kids visit the center, which has pool tables, lounge areas for discussion, activity centers and a cafeteria for the fi ve hours it is open after school. Other awards include the 2014 WCSH 6 Who Care Agency of Distinction and the 2014 Tom's of Maine 50 States for Good, which carries a $10,000 stipend. Whitlock, who was on the MPTC commit- tee that hired Dwyer, says her diverse background, including serving as executive director of Sweetser, a nonprofi t that off ers behavioral and mental health treatment and support to families, as well as her business acumen and experience writing grants made her an attractive prospect. "Her philosophy is to run MPTC with compassion and a corporate mindset," says Whitlock. "Dwyer brought discipline to MPTC's fi nances, and is credited with bringing in big donors like Hannaford and Idexx." Dwyer also spearheaded the formation of MPTC's advisory council and diversifi ed the board. "She's an amazing speaker and someone with a lot of energy and persistence in fundraising," says Whitlock. "I'm not sure when she sleeps." Betsy Richards, Idexx's corporate communication and community relations manager, describes Dwyer as a fi reball that can't be put out. "She acts with passion and determination. No matter how tough times are, she perseveres." Richards adds, " e MPTC is a terrifi c space for young people, providing at-risk youth a con- nection to caring adults, a safe and secure environment, and empowerment to make better choices about their lives. We are lucky that Westbrook has this teen center — it makes us a better community." ose descriptions fi t Dwyer's decorating aes- thetic as well: bright and cheery, wearing a red blouse with ruffl es, she talks enthusiastically. e church door also is bright red, which she describes as inviting. Staff are told to greet the kids with a sincere smile, to let them know they and everyone else are welcome, that the center is a safe haven. She had the church's ancient stained glass windows repaired, and put home items, like ceramic pottery, on tables throughout the recreational room to make it more comfortable. Only one item has been broken so far, she says. Even her offi ce seems like home, with several rocking chairs, photos of her family and a corner devoted to the tennis trophies she's won over the years. "In my world, rejection is more common than not," she says of constantly having to ask others for money. "I'm actually shy. I don't like asking for money, but it's something I have to do." She adds, "I learned in sales a long time ago that no means yes. I also learned to wear red and sit up straight." ough her days are long, harried and fi lled with interruptions, she appears calm. Asked to describe herself, she says, "I'm passionate, vivacious, analyti- cal, have a laser sharp focus and I'm impatient. But I hope I'm kind." Her will to fi ght for those who need a leg up came early, notably in 1991, when her son Timothy was born with Down syndrome. Four years later she was diagnosed with a Stage 4 cancer and told she had little Jeanne Hulit, President of the Community Banking Division with her commercial team. (L-R) Lucas Takatsu, Daryl Wentworth, Sean Cameron, Gregory Corra, Tim Tower, Tim Michalak, and Jonathan Smith. To learn more visit northeastbank.com/business | SBA Preferred Lender We offer • Business Loans & Lines of Credit • Commercial Real Estate Loans • SBA / USDA Loans • Cash Management Services • Business Online & Mobile Banking Helping Maine Businesses Grow with Customized Solutions... Providing in-depth commercial lending experience with unique expertise in SBA loan programs. Let us be your business banking resource. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E »