LEWISTON — Avangrid Foundation, in partnership with Central Maine Power, has gifted $10,000 in grant funding to New Beginnings, a Lewiston-based nonprofit serving homeless and at-risk youth, according to a news release from the nonprofit.

The funding is helping New Beginnings promote the safety, connections, and growth that runaway and homeless youth need to thrive in 2021-22, especially as they continue to face challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Beginnings operates Marian’s Place, the only youth shelter in Maine licensed for 24-hour care, along with a full spectrum of supportive housing, counseling, educational support, prevention, and outreach services for teens and young adults in Androscoggin, Franklin, and Kennebec counties.

“New Beginnings is grateful to have received continued support from the Avangrid Foundation for our work to address youth homelessness in Maine,” said Executive Director Chris Bicknell. “Avangrid’s ongoing assistance and generosity is helping meet the basic needs of Maine’s vulnerable youth living on the streets or facing food and housing insecurity. Young people need our help more than ever to find safety, stay healthy, connect to caring adults, and increase stability as they transition to adulthood.”

New Beginnings’ workers reach out to youth on the streets and at schools, libraries, corner stores, and parks to offer emergency supplies, a listening ear, and information about how to get food and shelter. Staff welcome and build trust with youth, encouraging them to engage in services when they are ready.

Family mediation helps youth return home or reunify with relatives. When that isn’t possible, New Beginnings provides Transitional Living apartments where older youth can learn the skills they need to live independently.

Youth up to age 21 come to New Beginnings’ Youth Outreach Drop-in Center in Lewiston for help finding housing, emergency food and supplies, or simply a safe place to get warm off the streets and eat a much-needed meal. All of New Beginnings’ residential and outreach programs offer comprehensive case management to help young people pursue their goals and access and maintain stable housing.

For more information about New Beginnings, visit newbeginmaine.org or call 207-795-4077. A 24-hour helpline for youth shelter and referrals is at 207-795-4070.