Inside the Investees: Portland Relief Nursery

(From the March 2004 Newsletter)

Not far from the east end of the St. Johns Bridge, in the compact setting of downtown St. Johns, is the renovated building that serves as the Portland Relief Nursery. The facility is spacious and attractive, housing classrooms that are bright and well-equipped. Their sturdy, down-sized wooden furniture seems to convey a message about this place and its focus on providing comprehensively for the needs of young children.

Since its opening in September 2001, Portland Relief Nursery has served more than 220 children ages 0-3 who are at risk of neglect or abuse, and their families. The Nursery is about to increase its outreach by opening an additional classroom, and its Board has begun planning for the next major phase in its development: establishing two more relief nurseries in the Portland area by the end of this decade.

Children in PRN classrooms may seldom or never have interacted with other children, been read to or taught a song, ridden on a swing or thrown a ball, explored the mysteries of scissors and paste, or used Playdoh; they may rarely have sat at a table to share a meal with others. The children come twice a week to PRN to have these and other experiences, in a safe and encouraging environment, with the aim of developing the skills and abilities they need to continue to learn and thrive.

Meanwhile, their parents benefit from other services provided by PRN. These include home visits, parenting classes, respite care, and referral to other agencies that can help with alcohol and drug problems, for example, or with finding work.

An SVPP investee since 2001, PRN has received over $100, 000 in grants as well as the volunteer efforts of over 12
Partners. These volunteers have found interesting and challenging opportunities both in the classroom and in such areas as software consulting and facilities management. For current volunteer needs check listings at SVPP and PRN.

On May 15 PRN will hold its Third Annual Portland Iron Chef gala fundraiser. This combination of a spectacular cooking competition and a gourmet dinner is best described as "Sumo wrestling meets Julia Child."