Day One

03/25/2026

Thank you to the Maine Marathon and Maine Mariners for partnering and supporting our mission! Please share and we hope to see you on April 12th.

03/16/2026

01/05/2026

☀️ Day One Dedication: Building Foundations in Maine for over 50 Years 🌲

​It's the first Monday of 2026—a New Year, and a call for a new beginning for our youth and families here in Maine.

​The real grind is often fought in silence. We're here for you. If you or your family is facing challenges with substance use or behavioral health, today is the most important day.

​We believe in you and the power of "Day One."

​⚡️ Resolve: It takes incredible strength to seek support.
​🛠️ Recommit: It takes daily effort to build a foundation for wellness.
​🧠 Resilience: It takes courage to face the future together.

​This year, this week, and this season of life, we look up and forward. We commit to the process of healing and building a stronger, healthier Maine community.

​Your dedication to wellness is your greatest victory.

​Need Support Today? Call us at (207) 893-0386 or fill out a confidential online referral at https://day-one.org/online-referral/

A better tomorrow starts today. ♥️
​

01/04/2026

Important message. Thank you! 🤗🫶

🚨Hey principals and teachers, quick reminder as we head back in.🚨

Not every kid had a magical break.❤️‍🩹

Some students went home to chaos. Some went home to food insecurity. Some went home to stress, conflict, or situations no child should have to navigate. Some went home to zero structure, unlimited screen time, and expectations that look NOTHING like school.🤬

So when they come back “extra,” distracted, irritable, clingy, exhausted or checked out… don’t take it personal.

This is your reminder to do what great educators do:
✅Reteach.
✅Model.
✅Practice.
✅Repeat.

Just like the first week of school, we might need to reset routines, expectations, transitions, and emotional regulation. Not because we’re lowering the bar, but because we’re building the bridge.

And most importantly, kids need to feel this loud and clear:
“I see you.”
“I’m glad you’re here.”
“You’re safe with me.”
“You belong here.”

Belonging is the key. When kids feel seen and loved and genuinely excited to be back, they rise. They start to trust. They start to try. They start to believe they’re part of something bigger than themselves.

So lead with grace, hold the line with love, and remember… connection comes before correction. 🩷
We’ve got this!!!!💪🏽🩷💪🏽

12/29/2025

Holding steady. Moving forward.

The final week of the year is often a time for reflection, but for the youth at Day One, it’s a time for new beginnings.

Just as these girls from our residential treatment program found out, recovery is a lot like stepping onto the ice for the first time. It requires courage, a bit of vulnerability, and—most importantly—someone to hold onto until you find your balance.

As the only residential substance use treatment program for youth in Maine, we see incredible transformations every day. When you partner with Day One through a year-end gift, you aren't just funding a program. You are providing:

⭐️Safety for a teenager to finally let their guard down.
⭐️Tools for a family to heal and reconnect.
⭐️Hope that a life defined by struggle can be redefined by strength.

Your support is the hand on the shoulder that keeps our kids moving forward. As we close out the year, help us ensure that no Maine youth has to navigate the path to recovery alone.

Click the link https://day-one.org/donate/ to give a $50, $100, or even a $500 gift of hope before December 31st. Together, we’re building a healthier, more resilient Maine. 💙 Thank you!

12/18/2025

Substance use disorder is a health condition.
Violence is not its outcome.

Experts note violent acts tied to substance use disorder are rare and often involve acute crisis, not diagnosis alone. Recent media coverage with false links and broad claims harm families who need help.

Fear does not heal. Care does.

At Day One, we've been helping for over 50 years. Recently, your support allowed Day One to stay present with a youth who entered high school angry, depressed, and using substances to numb trauma. Years later, he graduated, secured housing, and stopped all substance use. Trust and time made the difference

Make a self-referral or help someone you care about: https://day-one.org/online-referral/ or call (207) 893-0386

Become a partner by donating $100 today to ensure care is there for someone who needs it: https://day-one.org/donate/

12/15/2025

Some of these boys had never seen this done in real life.

One said, “I thought people only cut down Christmas trees on TV or in movies.”

For kids who grew up in chaos, moments like this matter. Not because of the tree, but because it means safety, patience, and adults who stay.

We operate Maine’s only residential substance use treatment program for teens. For many, this is their first calm holiday. First shared task. First time feeling part of something steady.

More teens will need this in 2026. Younger. With more trauma. With fewer safe homes.

Your gift gives them more than a moment. It gives them a place to land when life feels out of control.

Help more Maine teens find safety in 2026.
https://day-one.org/donate/

12/15/2025

You are not alone. Help is available when you, or a loved one needs it.

12/05/2025

Please stay warm out there and help others if you can. Thank you for this Portland Press Herald ❤️