My Nonprofit Reviews

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.

More Feedback