Androscoggin Bank’s MainStreet Foundation has awarded a $25,000 grant to The Root Cellar, a nonprofit organization with locations in Lewiston and Portland. Through programs that address food security, mentorship, and life skills, The Root Cellar works to empower local youth and families, particularly in immigrant and low-income neighborhoods.
The $25,000 grant will directly benefit The Lew Crew, a Lewiston-based program which offers local teens valuable work opportunities and life skills. From mowing lawns, to serving up fresh coffee at their Common Grounds business, participants are guided through a variety of hands-on experiences that build both practical and personal skills. They can choose electives like financial literacy, woodworking, or entrepreneurship, all while receiving a participation stipend. By integrating work, play, and education, the Lew Crew empowers teens to contribute positively to their neighborhood and prepares them for a prosperous future.
This award is part of the foundation’s $25K for Kids Grant, which aims to support at-risk youth by providing life’s essentials: food, shelter, and security. After careful consideration, The Root Cellar was chosen from three finalists for its outstanding community impact. Androscoggin Bank and the MainStreet Foundation firmly stand behind this important work as it aligns with our commitment to supporting organizations that empower vulnerable children and families.
To show our support, several Androscoggin Bank employees visited The Root Cellar’s facility in Lewiston, where we were shown around by Executive Director, Joel Furrow, and Lewiston Program Manager, Alyssa McKay. Throughout the visit, Bank employees engaged with both staff and children before receiving freshly roasted coffee grounds packaged by the Lew Crew, along with some heartfelt thank-you cards. Before leaving, a physical check for $25,000 was presented to make the gift official.
Melissa Farinas, VP, Manager of IT Strategy at Androscoggin Bank said, “It is hard to overstate the importance of nurturing our children’s potential. This is why one of the primary focuses for the Foundation is youth empowerment through mentorship and leadership initiatives like the Lew Crew. The $25K for Kids Grant seeks to make a real difference in the lives of as many kids as possible, and we are proud to support The Root Cellar and the incredible work they’re doing.”
When speaking about the award, Executive Director of The Root Cellar, Joel Furrow, said, “The Root Cellar is deeply honored to be the recipient of the $25k for Kids grant from Androscoggin Bank. This generous grant from Androscoggin Bank’s MainStreet Foundation will have an immediate impact on the lives of more than 250 children and teens in Lewiston and Portland, creating more opportunities for them to work, play, gather and grow as they are mentored through the Rooted Afterschool and Lew Crew Teen Work Experience programs.”
The Bank is excited to support The Root Cellar and looks forward to seeing the positive impact they continue to make in 2025.
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