Projects, Inc.

About

Projects, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that specializes in solving community problems. Since 1975, Projects has been implementing dynamic service-learning programs around the country. From services that connect youth volunteers with the elderly, to non-profit workshops for university educators, Projects has created 19 discreet programs that have had a substantial impact on their participants and communities. Projects, Inc. has succeeded in revolutionizing the standard not for profit financial model.

The organization is designed as a nonprofit / venture capitalist. While other nonprofits tend to rely upon annual contributions for funding, Projects has focused on using contributions to establish programs that are independently sustainable. Once a project is funded and operational, Projects recedes into the background, eventually turning the program over to local leadership. As a result, sustainability is built in at the beginning.

Accomplishments

DUVAL HOUSE, Jacksonville, Floriday (1975-1977) Inspired and funded a curriculum-based service learning program as a solution for school community culture problems

MAPLE SUGARING, Camden, Maine (1975-1988) Created a business and history class enrichment program at Camden-Rockport High School

NEW HAMPSHIRE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER, Manchester, New Hampshire (1976-1977) Started a staff training and work study program for incarcerated youth

KNOX COUNTY YOUTH EMPLOYMENT TRAINING PROGRAM,Camden, Maine (1977-1978) Established a CETA-sponsored training program for hard-to-employ youth. Our study-to-work program was awarded top funding priority by Governor Jim Longley.

MAINE STATE EMPLOYMENT TRAINING COUNCIL, Camden, Maine (1978-1979) Tailored individualized training programs for hard-to-employ youth

ODD JOBS, Camden, Maine (1979-1982) Built a for-profit community-based business in land management, heavy and light landscaping and home maintenance for senior citizens

HOME COUNSELORS, INC., Rockland, Maine (1981-present) Developed an in-home crisis intervention counseling program for the Maine Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation

ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION SCHOOL, Camden, Maine (1980-1985) Created for the S.A.D. #28 middle school a free-standing, state-certified, alternative education school for behaviorally handicapped youth

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT, INC., Rockland, Maine (1981-present) Established a community service program for Knox County, with youth volunteers serving senior citizens. This national, one-of-a-kind program was honored as a Point of Light (#227) by President George Bush.

KING MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY SERVICE, Portland, Maine (1988-1990) Produced and secured funding for a middle school service learning program, inspired by the Community Service Project

WATERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL LEARNING PROJECT, Waterville, Maine (1992-present) Formed a service learning program, called CLASS ACT, focusing on home maintenance to low income and disabled senior citizens during regular school hours, with two years funding secured.

ROCKLAND FUTURES PROJECT, Rockland, Maine (1990-1993) Guided a coalition of community development-minded citizens in designing and developing a long-range plan for sustained growth of the greater Rockland community

ORONO HIGH SCHOOL SERVICE LEARNING,Orono, Maine (1994-present) Fostered the creation, start-up, development, funding, and sustainability of this outstanding curriculum-based service learning program

BELFAST AREA SCHOOL SERVICE LEARNING, Belfast, Maine (1994-present) Added service learning to the Peer Leadership program for a combination of learning leadership through service to community

RICHMOND HIGH SCHOOL SERVICE LEARNING, Richmond, Maine (1994-present) Created, guided and helped funding for this middle school, curriculum-based service learning project

BRUNSWICK HIGH SCHOOL, Brunswick, Maine (1997-present) Inspired and funded a curriculum-based service learning project as a solution for the school’s community problems

MAINE VOLUNTEER CONNECTION, INC., Warren, Maine (1992-present) Prescribed organizational sponsorship for the creation, early formation, and development of this technical assistance project for volunteer managers

PROCTOR ACADEMY, Andover, Massachusetts (1997), XAVIER UNIVERSITY, Cincinnati, Ohio (1995) Designed and presented service learning workshops for educators

DUCKTRAP RIVER FISH FARM, INC., Belfast, Maine (1997-1998) Linked twelve middle management employees to fundraising activities for a new chapter of Big Brothers/Big Sisters in Waldo County, Maine

New Programs

PASSAMAQUODDY MAPLE, LLC, Camden, Maine

INTERTRIBAL ENTREPRENEURIAL EDUCATION

THE REAL SCHOOL MENTORING (A SMARTER, KINDER MAINE)

Vision

We envision communities where no harm is done.

Mission

Projects, Inc. mission is to identify and devise solutions to help solve social problems previously unnoticed or inadequately addressed. As in the past programs will be created, developed, and managed until such time as they can be launched as independent entities. Projects, Inc. is committed to the development of community leadership and social consciousness.

Philosophy

During our more than 30 years of existence, Projects has observed that life’s most valuable lessons often occur as a by-product of something else. When it comes to community learning, Projects believes that what people do is less important than that they do. Consequently, Projects focuses heavily on inspiring communities to action.

Problem Solving

Projects, Inc. takes a three step approach to community problem solving.

1. Reduce complex community issues to their lowest common denominator.

2. Create action solutions.

3. Train staff and volunteers, then take action.