Wayfinder School has been so helpful in my success as an adult. With their at home learning of real world topics, I was equipped with the tools I needed to navigate life after graduation. The teachers and staff at Wayfinder's are so passionate about their students education, and helping them develop their skills. Without Wayfinder Schools I would not be where I am today. I am truly grateful for the time I was able to spend with the school.
I was a teacher at Wayfinder Schools in their Passages program for 10 years and afterwards spent a year conducting an actors' workshop with the residential program. I am presently a board member. The school has evolved over the years, finding new ways to improve the curriculum while meeting the needs of a diverse group of students. The administrators, development staff, and the teachers all work together for the good of the students.
Over the years, I have heard of the great work Wayfinder Schools does and the important service it provides. After joining the Board of Directors, I have had the opportunity to learn more about the organization and work with its top-notch faculty, staff, alumni and volunteers. The Wayfinder team is talented, dedicated and professional. Graduates of the program are impressive and testify that they would not be where they are without this well designed program that offers individualized support to young adults as they earn their high school diploma and go out into the world. Wayfinder offers hope and access to a better future to young adults across Maine.
I have the pleasure of knowing a graduate of Wayfinder Schools, Christie Bane, who worked for me for many years and has gone on to grow her career in ways that still have me in awe! Her professionalism and love of business show through in all she does. Through the Wayfinder Schools she was given foundational business principles and the mentoring needed to become the success she is today. Even though I have many more years business experience than her, she continues to motivate and inspire me to be a better business woman. I strongly encourage others to look into and support this program. There is no doubt that Wayfinder schools is preparing the next generation for success.
I have experienced the work of this incredible program through different lenses. First, as a student, then as a supporter and donor, and now as co-vice chair of the board of directors. The school provided me with a foundation from which to grow. I developed a love of learning and found life long mentors who have taught me how to build deep and meaningful connections. Without Wayfinder Schools I could not have earned my MBA or become the project management business professional I am today. As a board member I am privileged to see so many stories like mine playing out every single day in the students we serve!
I was homeless as a teenager, I came from an abusive and dangerous home, and I didn’t think my life was going to go beyond 18 years old. I never thought I’d have any control or stability, and when I found out I was going to be a young father the weight on me was unimaginable. Finding Wayfinder, Passages specifically gave me support, love, control, stability and confidence. They met me where I was at and never once faltered. I was always gives the best opportunity and shown the most patience and care. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I’m a business owner, a college student and I’ll soon be working myself with at risk youth. The skills and modeling I learned and experienced have helped me to be the best father I can to my daughter. They change lives, they really do. I couldn’t imagine our community without them.
Wayfinder Schools continues to be a leader in Maine on reaching and reengaging youth who have struggled in traditional high school. Today it serves 65 youth spread across eight counties through a compassionate one on one instructional program that utilizes real-world learning opportunities for growth. Teachers meet their students in their homes, provide a laptop and internet access to stay in touch in between meetings. Because of the strong relationships students and teachers build, they were able to transition easily during this pandemic to stay focused and continue classes remotely. I highly recommend this organization to any parent of a student who is struggling and lives in Androscoggin, Cumberland, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, Washington or York County of Maine!
The Community Schools at Opportunity Farm and Camden are changing kids lives, and in doing so, providing a great benefit to the whole State of Maine. The student success rate is phenomenal because this unique program, the head of school and staff are beyond compare. What they are doing is truly amazing. Kudos to all of them.
Review from Guidestar
The Community Schools at Opportunity Farm and Camden is the newly merged entity (July 1, 2011), formerly Opportunity Farm for Boys and Girls - and The Community Schools of Camden. A new alternative high school opened Fall 2011 and it is it's second year of operation (with 140 combined years of working with at-risk youth in Maine). There are 2 campuses with 2 high school programs on each campus. #1,The Residential Program is a 9 month intensive, comprehensive, strength-based program for high school age students who were unsuccessful in traditional school settings. Along with traditional academics, the students learn life skills, work at a job/apprenticeship placement, study ASL, engage in Environmental Green Initiative projects and weekly social service projects, monthly Experiential Learning Expeditions, prepare weekly meals on a budget, are Environmental Mentors with 4H Programs for younger children, utilize the Arts and critical thinking in all aspects of the program - and use Restorative School Practices for resolution of differences/conflict and to practice effective communication skills. #2, The Passages Program is a home-based teen parent program supporting students in 7 Maine counties. The major support for these students is that Community School Teachers go into the students homes - since the major barriers for high school completion for young parents are transportation, child care, and housing. Along with traditional academics, Passages students work with their teachers one-on-one in parenting and life skills, early child development with a significant emphasis on early literacy. As well, students learn job skills and work toward post-secondary education options. Graduates from both the Residential and Passages Programs have been highly successful in obtaining jobs upon graduation - and many enter post secondary education institutions. I have observed amazing growth in the students who come through this school - and have high praise for the dedicated staff who work one-on-one to move these wonderful young people into a successful adulthood.
This organization has been under new leadership since 2011, when they merged with the Camden Community School. Great board and great staff serving lots of kids and helping them get their high school diplomas.
Review from Guidestar
This at one point a great organization but due to severe mismanagment the place is being run into the ground. The CEO makes an absorbanant amount of money while shutting down houses and laying off the people who do the work with the children. The program would be able to do good work if were not for the lack of common sense used to run a nonprofit