Contributing to the health and wealth of the community by supporting individuals to overcome barriers and achieve meaningful employment, is why we come to work each day. Below is a list of additional services we provide.

Mentoring

The Portland Mentoring Alliance was established in 1992, and over the years volunteer employees from businesses throughout Greater Portland have been matched with Portland High School students to create supportive mentoring relationships.

In 1997, UNUMProvident, Maine Medical Center, City of Portland, Berry Dunn McNeil & Parker, Portland High School and the Portland Partnership joined together to form the Portland Mentoring Alliance (PMA). Since its inception, the Portland Mentoring Alliance has helped a majority of the participating students improve their grades, critical thinking skills and overall confidence levels. The programs' greatest challenge continues to be recruiting individuals to be mentors. Today’s busy lives make it difficult for some adults to provide one hour a week to a student.

If you are interested in the Mentoring Program in Cumberland County, please call 207-662-2088 for more information.

Teens & Young Adults

Specific to Cumberland County, we offer services to youth who have a barrier to employment and who have an interest in work. We will assist youth with disabilities prepare for, find and maintain jobs in their community that are suited to their interests and abilities.

We collaborate with parents, schools, community agencies and employers through technical assistance, consultation and training. Vocational Services has been involved with the employment of youth for over twenty years.

Summer Teen Employment Program (STEP)

A seven-week supported work experience with community employers. Youth are placed in a job and receive a competitive hourly wage for their work. Each youth has a job coach that provides individualized support around learning job tasks, communication skills and social skills on the job. Workshops are held weekly to address work-related topics.

If you are interested in STEP or other services, please call 207-662-2088 for more information.