LEWISTON — What began as a summer youth program established by two Bates College graduates in 2011 has grown into a benevolent community of people, programs, and partnerships that have encouraged leadership, learning, and exploration in thousands of Maine youth.
“The youth of Lewiston and its surrounding areas are unlike any I have ever met,” said Julia Sleeper-Whiting, executive director of Tree Street Youth who co-founded the organization with Kim Sullivan. “I’m privileged to spend the days being inspired by their dreams, talents, and ambitions.”
Located on 144 Howe Street in Lewiston, Tree Street Youth is a year-round program that serves over 500 youth, from pre-kindergartners through seniors in high school, by providing academic assistance, college access, and mentorship, specifically tailoring the experience of learning to meet the needs of each student. The caring staff aims to cultivate leaders who “fear less, love more, and dream big.”
It’s an organization and mission that has deservedly drawn support from Norway Savings Bank for years, including a $1,000 donation this month and close to $40,000 in the last decade.
“Tree Street Youth couldn’t do what it does without the support of caring businesses like Norway Savings Bank. Their renewed commitment helps us continue to adapt our programming to best support our youth and families through the challenges they face,” said Sleeper-Whiting. “Together, with supporters like NSB, we can realize ambitions for our students, programs, and community.”
“This an organization that has supported and continues to guide thousands of students in the Lewiston-Auburn area by encouraging healthy physical, social, emotional, and academic development while building unity across lines of difference,” said Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “Tree Street Youth mentors Maine students and helps them strive toward higher education and lifelong success while also accentuating the importance of determination and understanding. NSB is proud to assist them as they create and deliver these opportunities.”
Grounded in accessibility and equity, Tree Street Youth offers more than 1,500 hours of direct service to kids each year in 23 languages and at no cost to families.
Among the many successful programs are: BRANCHES (Becoming Responsible Adults ‘N Cultivating Higher Education Success), which supports youth in exploring and preparing for college and eventual career readiness; CEDAR (Community Engagement for Developing Abilities and Readiness), which is a professional internship program serving cohorts of local young adults (ages 18-25) in developing necessary skills to be successful in the workplace; ELM (Enrichment Lessons and Mentoring), which welcomes students after school for a range of activities that build self-esteem and confidence; MAPLE (Motivated Adolescents Pursuing Leadership Experiences), which provides middle school and high school youth with chances to hold formal leadership roles at the center as advisors, mentors, and peer supports; REDWOOD (Resilient, Educated, Dedicated Women with Outstanding, Ongoing Determination), which helps girls and young women to cultivate strong leadership and self-advocacy skills for navigating challenges; SEQUOIA (Seeking Equality, Uniting Ourselves, Inspiring Action), which offers an atmosphere of trust, openness, camaraderie, and support for boys and young men to grow; and WILLOW (Wonderful, Inspired, Little Leaders of the World), which serves ages 4-12 through after-school and summer programming that develops social skills, perseverance, positive risk taking, and impulse management.
“It’s truly amazing to see the impact these programs and this wonderful staff have on young people,” said Linette Dihetre, branch manager and retail lender VP for NSB in Auburn and a member of the Tree Street Youth Board of Directors. “They help those they serve to improve their academics, develop life skills, and feel confident. It not only offers them hope but gives them a road map and guides them down the path to brighter futures.”
There are many ways in which you can support Tree Street Youth. To learn more visit www.treestreetyouth.org/support or call the center at 207-513-6866.
Founded in 1866, Norway Savings Bank is a leading mutual banking and financial services company headquartered in Norway, Maine. As of June 30, 2024, Norway Savings Bank had $1.912 billion in total assets; 24 branch locations; and divisions in trust and investment services, personal banking, and business banking. It has received an “Outstanding” rating for three consecutive Community Reinvestment Act Exams from the FDIC. Norway Savings has also received the Best Place for Working Parents designation in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and was recognized with the “Best Wellness Employer – Gold Certification” for the sixth year in a row by Wellness Workdays. BauerFinancial has designated the Bank the “Best of Bauer” for earning and maintaining its highest 5-star rating for 34 continuous years. For more information, visit www.norwaysavings.bank .
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