Spring Appeal 2025

Dear Friends,

I’m writing today on behalf of The Landing Place [TLP], the youth programming arm of Homeworthy. Eight-years in, TLP is making real and positive differences in the lives of Midcoast youth. TLP offers so much: a safe space with adult mentors, youth case management, transitional living apartments for young adults, street and community outreach, free clothing, food, hygiene supplies, hot showers, laundry, mental health care, and much more. For the broader community, TLP offers something just as vital: hope—that together we can break cycles of generational trauma that often lead to substance use, housing instability, and conflict.

You can see that hope in the faces of the youth who come through our doors—like Timmy, who’s been coming to TLP since he was 11, when we first opened in 2017. Timmy grew up in Cushing with his mom, stepdad, and two younger brothers. He spent much of his childhood outside—riding dirt bikes, fishing, and exploring the woods. But like many kids, as he entered adolescence, challenges began to pile up. Surrounded by negative influences and experimenting with substances, Timmy found himself making choices that led him off track. Now 18 and preparing to graduate high school, Timmy recently sat down with me to reflect on how TLP has shaped his journey. I want to share a bit of that conversation with you—his words speak volumes.

Joseph: What kind of challenges did you experience growing up?

Timmy: When I stop and think about it, I really did have a lot of challenges. I was around a lot of bad influences, especially with drugs and alcohol. Once I got into middle school and early high school, I started making choices that got me into trouble. But then you guys at The Landing Place showed me something different.

J: What do you mean by that?

T: I guess I was pulled toward bad influences, but I also wanted to work and do positive things. And the positive stuff you guys offered started to feel more important than the negative.

J: What helped you most when you were going through those tough times?

T: TLP gave me a place to go where those bad influences weren’t around. It always felt safe... and fun, too. It helped take my mind off things. And it helped me find work and get connected to opportunities in the community.

I don’t know what I would’ve done without The Landing Place. It’s always been like a second home to me.

J: Is there anyone you want to shout out, who’ve been important to you and who have helped you along the way?

T: Definitely. My family—especially my mom—has always been there for me. And my friends. And I really appreciate people like Lucas, Mr. EJ, and Pastor D, who helped me with school and supported me in different ways. And… I know it’s kinda awkward since you’re interviewing me—but I just want to say thanks to you, too. You never gave up on me, even when I was getting into trouble. You kept showing up for me. That’s meant a lot. So yeah... thank you.

Yes, I want to help Midcoast Youth!

$500 provides ten free mental health sessions for youth in need

$250 supplies two months of free hygiene supplies for youth

$150 gives sought-after art supplies for self-expression and creativity

$100 stocks the free pantry with food for one program day

$50 gives a homemade warm supper to 55 youth with extra food to take home