05/04/2026
Happy Monday! We made it! Another month closer to summertime in Maine and the weather seems to finally be turning toward warmer temperatures. As you look forward to the summer months and planning for activities and camps for your youth, remember to reach out to Maine Parent Federation for resources. We can be reached at (207)588-1933 and parentconnect@mpf.org. For the week of April 6th, we are hosting the following events:
**Voices Rising: Virtual Group Tuesday, May 5th at 4:00PM**
We’re excited to offer another Voices Rising series led by Alyssa Mathieu. This spring, we’ll be working alongside youth and young adults ages 14–26 to explore strategies and best practices for navigating adulthood. From February through June (2026), participants will engage with Empower the Learner (ETL)—a digital profile designed to help youth and young adults share their story, identify strengths, and reflect on their goals for adulthood. Built in Canva, ETL provides a creative and accessible template that allows participants to create a profile about themselves, in their own voice and style. Any questions contact: dcampbell@mpf.org. For more information and to register: https://www.mpf.org/voices-rising/.
**Parent Support Group on Thursday, May 7th at 12PM**
Are you a parent of a child with different abilities and/or special needs? Would you like to connect with other parents to share experiences and resources? Join us on the first Thursday of the month at noon. This is an opportunity to connect with other parents & caregivers to share, learn and support each other as we navigate the journey with our kiddos. Any questions contact: awiest@mpf.org. For more information and to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtce2opj4uE914o3OblP0SiZ7nUenanFKM
** MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!**
Community Work Incentives Coordinators Webinar "Work is Possible When Getting Benefits!" on Wednesday, May 20th at 12PM
Many people with disabilities, including youth, want to work but are worried they will lose government benefits. Join this webinar with MaineHealth Benefits Counseling Services to learn about Social Security disability benefits and the financial safety nets for working youth. We’ll also discuss important benefit transitions when a person turns 18. Learn about common disability benefits for children under 18. Understand important benefit transitions when a person turns 18. Learn about financial safety nets that allow youth with disabilities to work without losing their benefits. Presenter Bio:
Paul Connair has worked as a Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) with MaineHealth Benefits Counseling Services for over 9 years. He has 18 years of total experience working to empower people who have experienced barriers to obtaining competitive employment. Before that, he worked 7 years in youth development. He is excited to be a part of the Maine Pathways to Partnerships grant to help youth and young adults seek their full potential. He is presently in the process of exploring all 156 nature trails in Lincoln County with his partner Lisa and dog Genevieve. Contact Allison Wiest awiest@mpf.org for more information. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-rvNKoiPSy-IgI7DMC5_qw
Work is Possible When Getting Benefits! Many people with disabilities, including youth, want to work but are worried they will lose government benefits. Join this webinar with MaineHealth Benefits Counseling Services to learn about Social Security disability benefits and the financial safety nets fo...
