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Donation Wishlist

Want to contribute but don't have time? Don't know what to do with all that extra stuff you found during Spring cleaning? Not to worry! We are always looking for school and art supply donations to better serve our students. Please contact Emily Mancini-Fitch if you wish to drop off donations (don't just dump them outside our door!).

For the Study Centers:
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  • Paint (tempera/acrylic)
  • Craft paper
  • Pastels, markers, colored pencils
  • Felt
  • Fabric
  • Craft foam
  • Beads and lanyard, embroidery thread
  • Clay and play-dough
  • White glue
  • Fabric paint
  • School supplies such as pens, pencils, paper, scissors, and calculators
  • Racially diverse children’s books
  • ​Coloring books



Volunteering in the Study Centers

volunteer role description
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We are glad you are interested in volunteering! Currently we run study centers in four neighborhoods: Front Street, Sagamore Village, Riverton Park, and Kennedy Park. The mission of the centers is to provide a positive, productive, and safe environment for students to receive assistance with homework. There is great need in the neighborhoods as many parents are not fluent in English and have a difficult time assisting with homework. We work primarily with children grades 3-12, but we are also a resource for Adult Education students and all community members.

Our primary focus is assisting students with homework, but we try to supplement their education by doing art projects, playing educational games, and reading with them. Volunteers with specific interests they would like to teach often lead these supplementary activities. As a volunteer, you have the option of working with the coordinators of each center to define what role you would like to have.

If you are interested in volunteering at the study centers, fill out one of our volunteer applications today or contact Emily Mancini-Fitch for more information!
The coordinators at each study center will help make the experience beneficial for both the volunteer and students. We recommend that volunteers come at least once a week, if possible, so they really get a chance to get to know the kids and earn their trust. The more time a volunteer spends with them, the better the experience for both parties. Each of our three study centers work with different public housing communities and each has unique social and cultural backgrounds. The centers are open Monday through Thursday 3:00-7:00pm, following the school schedule. See the contact page for more information.
To get started we need a completed application including full name and social security number for a background check (standard for working with kids). After we get that, we can set up a time to discuss and tour some of the sites. Working with the study centers is a challenging and rewarding experience. 

It is truly a unique experience in Maine.

Why Volunteer?

  • You will have the opportunity to work with multicultural students that is unique particularly in Maine.
  • We have tutoring opportunities to fit (almost) all schedules! We also have special short-term projects throughout the year.
  • We provide an Orientation and training for all new volunteers. All you have to bring is yourself and a positive attitude!
  • While you may work independently with students, your efforts are part of a larger Study Center team effort to help students of all ages thrive academically and socially.
  • This is an opportunity for you to: tap into your previous career, show off your talents, share your skills, knowledge, and life experiences with the next generation. What was something you wish someone had told or done for YOU when you were a student?

Our Community Partners

The PHA Study Centers have been extremely lucky to have continual support from the local colleges and universities. Even with their busy schedules, these colleges students find the time to share their knowledge and experiences with our kids year after year. We couldn't do it without you! 


Is your group interested in volunteering? Contact Emily Fitch today for more information!