River Coalition   

Reading in the Family is a literacy program for adults who have children between the ages of 4 and 8.  The program is sponsored by the River Coalition, RSU 34, Old Town Adult Education, Penquis, and Literacy Volunteers of Bangor.  Eligible adults are given help with the literacy needs by a Literacy Coach who comes to meet with them weekly.  Classes are offered through adult education to supplement their learning.  Families are invited to monthly gatherings which provide dinner, fun kid's activities, and a group program for the adults.  If you know someone who would qualify for this program, please contact Lisa at 827-8744.  Click here for more information. 

The Youth-Led Leadership Group meets monthly usually at the Old Town Public Library.  The group coordinates service activities in our communities as well as fundraisers to support additional projects.  Meeting dates and times are currently posted at the school.

9/2/09 - Unfortunately the funding we had for after school programs has ended.  We are continuing to work with the local schools and other possible funders to get these programs going again.  Stay tuned for more information.

Looking for programs for school-age children, contact:

           Old Town Recreation Department (click for a list of Fall 2009 programs)

           Old Town-Orono YMCA (click to go to their site)

Mentoring is provided through partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Maine (a program of Downeast Health Services) and the University of Maine Office of Volunteer Programs.  The Black Bear Mentor program is the single largest volunteer offered at the University of Maine.  Mentor sites include Viola Rand Elementary School (Bradley), Helen Dunn School (Greenbush), Old Town Elementary, Indian Island School, and Leonard Middle School.  Mentors are recruited by the Volunteer Office and then undergo screening interviews, background checks and training prior to meeting with their mentee.  Mentees are selected through a process which includes parent request/approval and Guidance and/or teacher recommendation.  All mentees (generally in grades 4-8) must have a permission form completed by their parent/guardian, and will meet with the Guidance Counselor and Mentor Coordinator prior to meeting wtih their mentor.  Mentors and mentees meet once weekly for approximately 2 hours either during lunchtime or the afterschool program.  Snacks and transportation are available for mentees.

The River Coalition does not provide programs for this age group.  Please contact our partners organizations to learn about their programs:

Old Town Public Library

Old Town Recreation Department

Click here for more information on the Family Matters campaign.