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LearningWorks (formerly Portland West)


Question:

Help LearningWorks brainstorm on how to increase its impact through collaborations, mergers or acquisitions with complimentary nonprofit leaders in the Portland.

Mission

We provide the best learning opportunities in Maine for at risk youth, the immigrant community, and low income families.

History

  • Founded in 1967 as Portland West Neighborhood Planning Council; a low-income advocacy group dedicated to protecting the west end of Portland from gentrification.
  • Over first 30 years, shifted from advocacy to social service/housing organization.
  • In past 10 years, dedicated to education for at-risk youth, low-income families, and immigrants.
  • 2008; focused mission to reflect educational work.
  • 2009; changed name to LearningWorks in order to have a name that indicates what we do, eliminates the regional limitation, and to break from the past.

Programs

  • Learning Center assists 110 low performing 3rd-8th grade students annually with homework.

  • Youth Building Alternatives helps 75 HS drop-outs a year accomplish their GED and gain job skills.

  • English Language Program teaches English to 75-100 immigrants a year.

  • Back on Trackserves200-250 adjudicated youth in cognitive behavioral therapy.

  • Alternatives to Detention reduces recidivism for 40-60 teenage boys a year.
  • ServiceWorks supervises 50 youth a year in their court ordered community service.
  • Housing provides shelter for 250 people in 58 units of affordable housing.

Organizational Structure

Governed by a nine person Board of Directors.  Managed and operated by an Executive Director with 30 full and part-time employees.

Revenues                                                    Expenses

Grants and donations  $1,178,504       Personnel   $1,218,346        

Fee for Service  $ 387,796                 Program   $   253,956

Rental Income    $   523,373              Properties $   628,130

Demographics:

Maine’s unemployment rate has doubled in the past year, our High School drop out rate is at 35%, poverty in southern Maine has increased 25%, and our youth detention center is over capacity more than 50% of the time.  There are over 3000 immigrants and refugees in the Portland area and waiting lists for Adult Ed services are double the current Portland area capacity.                                    

Growth Goal: To bring together, under one brand, agencies which compliment the mission of LearningWorks, while expanding the range of provided services. In doing so, we expect to become more efficient and attractive to funders, while providing the fullest range of services needed by our customers.

Strengths: Financial stability.  Leadership.  Vision.  Positive PR.

Challenges: Resistant POV in social service agencies about mergers and acquisitions.  Founder syndrome.

Question: How can LearningWorks grow its impact in the state via successful acquisition of financially sound, complimentary not-for-profit organizations?