In a heartwarming display of community spirit and dedication, Trekkers, a leading youth mentoring organization, proudly announces that it has met its $2.5 million capital campaign goal. This remarkable achievement was made possible by the unwavering support of the community.

The journey to this milestone was a collective effort, led by a passionate Capital Campaign Cabinet, a committed Board of Directors, branding by creative agency naretiv, and Trekkers staff. One of the campaign's most inspiring contributions was the generous 3-year $600,000 matching challenge from the MOSI Foundation, directed by Evelyn and Gerry Isom. Their belief in Trekkers' mission encouraged additional contributions from across the community. Additionally, the campaign received a significant boost when Trekkers was awarded $921,250 in federal funding through USDA Rural Development to help transform its current location into a thriving campus, an effort championed by the offices of US Senator Angus King and First District Congresswoman Chellie Pingree who sought this investment through fiscal year 2024 Appropriations legislation, further solidifying the community's investment in the future of its youth.

"We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from our community, partners, and donors," said Stephanie Welch, Executive Director of Trekkers. "This achievement marks a significant step forward in our mission to support and equip youth in our community with the tools required to develop resilience, connection to the community, and aspirations for the future. We look forward to breaking ground on a campus that will be a launch point for Trekkers’ work in the community as we continue to offer high-quality mentoring programs to local youth and training to youth practitioners across the state and beyond."

Future Plans

With the completion of the capital campaign, Trekkers embarks on the next chapter of its journey. Funds raised will enable the organization to redevelop our campus into a thriving hub for youth and community, including a storage barn for Trekkers’ iconic buses with a climbing wall on the interior of the barn. Investments in the Trekkers Training Institute and a fund designated to provide organizational resilience will provide Trekkers with sustainability and strength to adapt to evolving community needs.

Trekkers remains committed to its mission of helping young people cultivate their own inherent strengths through long-term mentoring relationships, providing them with the skills and experiences needed to thrive. The completion of this capital campaign ensures that Trekkers can continue to offer transformative opportunities for future generations of young people in our communities.

About Trekkers: For 30 years, the nonprofit organization Trekkers has been dedicated to helping young people thrive. Through its unique 6-year mentoring and expeditionary learning model, research shows Trekkers helps students increase skills in resiliency, an ability to build positive relationships, and develop aspirations for the future. To learn more, visit the website at trekkers.org.

Campaign Cabinet: Bryson Cowan King (Campaign Chair), Lucy and Bill Farland (Co-Chairs), Joe Higdon (Honorary Co-Chair), Greg and Donna Knowlton (Co-Chairs), Kathleen Meil (Board President), Michelle Graham, Jan Letourneau, Suzanne Luzius, Betsy Welch, Kate Elmes, Amie Hutchison, and Stephanie Welch. For more information, please contact: Teresa Valdepeñas, Communications and Impact Manager, teresa@trekkers.org.