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Grantee Spotlight
Youth and Family Outreach (YFO) plays a crucial role in supporting children and families in greater Portland. YFO’s plans to open a new facility in 2027 could be a game-changer for Portland, tackling two of the city’s major challenges: childcare and housing. Nearly 4,000 children under the age of five live in Portland, with more than half living in poverty. At the same time, Cumberland County has the highest rate (75%) of all parents working statewide. High-quality affordable childcare is out of reach for many families. In June 2025, YFO will break ground on
2024 Sam L. Cohen Pioneer Scholars
The Pioneer Scholar Program, a partnership between supporters and the Mitchell Institute, provides the opportunity to recognize specific Mitchell Scholars and Alumni who, through their contributions to school and community and their demonstration of certain qualities – as students and as citizens – stand out for acknowledgement.
Congratulations to:
Ian Marembo - Portland High School * University of Southern Maine
Matthew Gonneville - Biddeford High School * Palm Beach Atlantic University
Guinevere Robbins- Thornton Academy * Colby College
Grantee Survey 2024
The Sam L. Cohen Foundation conducted a Grantee Survey in March 2024. We want to thank you for your thoughtful feedback and share highlights of the findings.
The electronic survey was sent to 285 grantees and applicants in the past three years. One hundred -eighteen organizations completed the survey for a response rate of 41 percent.