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Pathways to Equity:

The Capital Campaign for YWCA Central Maine

Y the W?

It is the sound of laughter echoing off the walls of a pool where a child learns to swim for the first time. It is the smell of warm food drifting from the kitchen where children gather after school. It is the sight of a woman walking through our doors — uncertain, hopeful — and finding someone who says, we have been waiting for you.

For 150 years, the W has meant this: a place where people belong.

  • The W stands for Women — seen, supported, and leading.

  • For Workforce — skills, confidence, and a path forward.

  • For Water — where children discover courage and joy.

  • For Wellbeing — nourishment for body, mind, and spirit.

  • For Welcome — for every family, in every season of need.

  • For We — because none of us thrive alone.

YWCA Central Maine has walked alongside people on their pathways to safety, stability, opportunity, and connection since 1878. We are a trusted source of support and belonging for families across Lewiston and Central Maine — guided by a mission to empower women, eliminate racism, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

Case for Support

Pathways to Equity: The Campaign for YWCA Central Maine
is a $10 million investment in the people, programs, and spaces that make this work possible

This campaign is about more than a building.

More than a pool.

More than a classroom.

More than a fitness center.

More than a computer.

It is about expanding opportunity, removing barriers, and
creating pathways so that every woman, child, and family can thrive.

What your investment will build.

  • Childcare for Tomorrow's Leaders

    More than a classroom.

    Building foundations for the future.

    Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of income, background, or circumstance.

    At YWCA Central Maine, more than 65% of children in our care receive financial assistance—evidence of both significant community need and deep trust from working families.

    Childcare is more than a service. It is essential infrastructure for families, employers, and the regional economy.

    Reliable childcare keeps parents connected to work, strengthens household stability, and ensures children enter school ready to learn and succeed.

    Through Pathways to Equity, YWCA Central Maine will expand early education programs to create 32 new childcare slots for working families while enhancing safe, developmentally supportive learning and play environments for children.

    This investment supports not only today's families, but tomorrow's leaders.

    When children have strong foundations, communities grow stronger alongside them.

  • Digital Access & Workforce Opportunity

    More than a computer.

    Opening doors to opportunity.

    Opportunity today requires connection — to technology, education, workforce pathways, and community support.

    YWCA Central Maine helps women, New Mainers, and young leaders access the tools and relationships that create long-term stability and economic mobility.

    Through YW Strive and other workforce initiatives, we provide career readiness support, digital access, mentorship, and job training that help individuals build confidence, independence, and opportunity.

    We also create meaningful first-job experiences for lifeguards, swim instructors, childcare workers, and young leaders whose work strengthens the fabric of our community.

    The campaign will establish a dedicated Connectivity Hub where families can access digital tools, educational resources, workforce development support, and pathways to employment.

    When access expands, opportunity expands alongside it.

  • Safety & Confidence in the Water

    More than a pool.

    Creating pathways to wellness.

    Water connects people to confidence,
    safety, healing, and community.

    Each year, YWCA Central Maine's aquatics programs
    help thousands of children and adults build life-saving water
    safety skills while creating opportunities for health, recreation, rehabilitation, and connection.

    Our programs help close the swim equity gap by ensuring access for children, older adults, New Mainers, and individuals with mobility challenges who may otherwise face barriers to participation.

    At the same time, our current locker and changing spaces
    no longer fully support the accessibility, privacy, comfort,
    and dignity our community deserves.

    Pathways to Equity will modernize and redesign these spaces to create a more inclusive and welcoming aquatics experience for all.

    Because when every person feels safe and confident in the water, the entire community benefits.

  • Wellness & Community Spaces

    More than a fitness center.

    Creating belonging across generations.

    Women often carry the responsibility of caring for others while having limited spaces intentionally designed to support their own wellness, reflection, connection, and growth.

    Pathways to Equity will create wellness and community spaces that support women across generations through fitness opportunities, group classes, gatherings, quiet reflection rooms, support for new mothers, and spaces for prayer, meditation, and connection.

    These spaces are designed to strengthen physical wellness, emotional health, belonging, and community support.

    Because when women are supported, families and communities grow stronger alongside them.

Your Investment Stays Local and Multiplies

  • Every gift moves us forward.

    Every dollar invested in YWCA Central Maine support local jobs, contractors, and businesses - while helping women, children and families build skills, stability, and opportunity. Through partnerships with schools, employers, healthcare organizations and community volunteers our impact reaches far beyond our walls. This campaign is a community investment that stays in Central Maine, strengthens families, and builds a more equitable future for all of us. Use the button to donate online. Please mail pledges and checks made payable to YWCA Central Maine to 130 East Avenue, Lewiston, ME 04240.

    Donate Today →

  • Naming Opportunities

    Naming opportunities offer a meaningful way to create a lasting legacy while advancing the mission of YWCA Central Maine. Through a named gift, you can honor a loved one, celebrate your family, or demonstrate your commitment to equity, wellness, and opportunity for all.

    Each space and program listed below represents a vital part of our work—serving women, children, and families across our community—and an investment in a stronger, more inclusive future.

    Naming Opportunities →

Questions about YWCA’s Pathways to Equity Campaign?

For more information about ways to give to YWCA’s campaign, including leadership gifts, multi-year pledges, stock transfers, planned giving, or naming opportunities, please contact Melanie Lamore, Chief Executive Officer or Lisa LaVallee, Chief Development Officer.

Melanie LaMore
Chief Executive Officer
mlamore@ywcamaine.org

Lisa LaVallee
Chief Development Officer
llavallee@ywcamaine.org