This is a wonderful helping organizations for the Munjoy Hill area. They have many services for…read morethe many immigrants or for anybody that lives in the area. They have job training classes, English as a second language classes, sewing classes, programs for kids and after school homework help. They also have a dental clinic. The people that work there have a heart for people and it really shows.

For decades the volunteers at the Root Cellar in Portland and Lewiston have served the kids of the…read moreneighborhoods -- largely first and second generation African immigrants -- with much needed after school programs that make a difference. What a great way to show the love of Jesus to your neighbors.

The GMRI is a fascinating place and a decidedly wonderful addition to the Portland waterfront. The…read moreprogramming they offer to local middle school students is exceptional and their new interactive learning lab, complete with a large observation tank, is state of the art. I found myself wishing that there was programming available to the general public. Every year, the GMRI holds a seafood celebration. I was lucky enough to attend this year. There were three floors of local chefs sharing their best seafood creations. Holding this event on all three floors, naturally walked guests through their facility, which I have to say, is extremely impressive. Their building itself, sits right on the working waterfront, with wonderful views and big tall windows to let in all the light. On the ground floor is the learning lab. Sitting inside the lab, with the tank on your left and the wall sized screen playing a video on local aquatic life, you could imagine yourself on a learning vessel, working and learning alongside marine biologists. The fare at the seafood celebration was pretty epic. There were haddock sliders, fish tacos and the most incredible scallop crudo. There were also bowls set out on communal tables of home made potato chips and onion dip, which had nothing to do with seafood, but were stand outs as well. Overall, this is a fascinating place that does great work and the GMRI seafood celebration is one of the rare times, the public is invited in for a view and some delicious apps. Well worth scoring a ticket or two next year!

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute is all about science, education, and community - and that's…read moreconsistently reflected in the outreach they offer. Specifically, their focus is stewarding the ecosystem, cultivating science literacy, supporting sustainable seafood, and strengthening coastal communities. Basically, they're the good guys when it comes to all things ocean - you can breathe easy, because (you're in Maine) they're fighting the good fight to keep our Atlantic healthy! GMRI is not often open to the general public (because it's not an aquarium), so if oceanography, marine chemistry, and being informed on the future of our largest economic resource (fishing) interests you and you ever get the chance to tour their lab and education facilities which are spacious and bright (during their Lunch & Learn's or Science Cafés; or, if you're a middle schooler, their LabVenture! which used to house a half red, half blue lobster), you should absolutely do so. It will help you appreciate the tremendous amount of effort and care that goes into their research - and protection - of our ocean and its resources. We are lucky to have them located right on Commercial St. in Portland. The folks who work here are brilliant, passionate, and dedicated to what they do; every encounter I've had with them has been positive. They also host a Seafood Dining Series throughout the year that highlights (and celebrates the local, responsibly harvested) underutilized, yet easily accessible, seafood right here of the Gulf of Maine with Culinary Partners (restaurants) throughout the state.

My daughter has been attending this school since the summer and she really enjoys it. Breakfast is…read moreserved in the classroom and she eats lunch with her friends and teachers in the cafeteria. The classrooms are well appointed and keeps my little girl very involved. She likes her teachers a lot and comes home playing school. The school staff are always very friendly and helpful. I ask them for advice often and they are very willing to listen and provide guidance. Overall the school is a very supportive environment. The school has a nice size playground for the kids to remain active.

What a great place! The teachers/staff/owners all truly care about the kids. My husband and I have…read moreput 4 kids through Little Hands and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a daycare in the area. As our kids got older, we put them into the after-school program and that is a great spot as well. The kids are well taken care of, the activities and themes seem to keep the children engaged. When we talked to the kids about their day went, they tell us about all that they did and how they love their teachers. I always cried the day I went back to work after my maternity leaves... but it was always reassuring knowing that they were going to a place that was good for them. We recently moved to Missouri and we miss a lot about southern Maine, our kids still talk about Little Hands.

HORRENDOUS PROGRAM!!!! do not be tempted by the convenient…read morelocation. The owners are negligent on ALL accounts. We had dozens of "accident reports" to sign for both of our children within weeks of beginning the program. Bruises, cuts, inexplicable injuries on the playground....and careless excuses for each from incompetent and underpaid staff. Every week there was a new "teacher" in our children's classrooms because the owners do not know how to run a buisness in order to take care of existing staff or to attract better staff. Lots of lazy blue collar staff with no previous childcare experience. Walked into my daughters classroom to hear a young staff member yell at a 2 year old toddler to "shut up and sit down"... I brought this up immediately to the owners and they did ZERO to address the issue. We pulled our children out immediately. If I could give this facility zero stars I absolutely would.

We love ARWO! Our 18 month old has been there since she was 5 months old and we couldn't be…read morehappier. The staff is super friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating. They put me at ease leaving my baby with them! She loves going to school and comes home tired and happy :)

Arwo is a fantastic childcare center! The entire staff is welcoming and caring. Their safety…read moreprecautions are very thorough and they take the time to get to know each and every child. I would recommend them to any parent in the Portland area.

I got some great clothes there. There is a dressing room. The ladies working there were kind and…read moregracious. The store is tidy and well-organized and the money goes to a terrific cause.

They feed the Homeless from the shelter plus the community with wholesome meals daily. Much…read moreappreciated please support the soup kitchen and shower resource.

This establishment charges way to much and dosen't care about the families or children. Most of the…read morestaff are amazing but the office administrator and director as well as the board of trustees, cannot be trusted. They are located right night to heroin alley and you risk being assaulted using the parking lot of a ticket picking up your kids. You will only be treated fairly if they can bill the state for your the primary amount of your bill. Camilia Babson Hayley has helped run this establishment into the ground and personally had a dozen or more staff members leave due to her lack of leadership. They have also been investigated for abuse and neglect in the past and recently where they had to call on themselves. That's a sad state of affairs.

Youth & Family Outreach (YFO) is a wonderful day care. From our first day here I was comfortable…read morewith the staff and the leadership. Friends recommended YFO to us, so we put our infant on the waiting list, hoping to get in before our child was 2 -- the wait list can be long, and there are several factors that play into getting a spot (age, special needs, etc.). To our surprise we were off the waitlist after just a couple months - things aligned and there happen to be a couple openings in the infant room. We have gotten to know the director and staff in the infant and they are all wonderful, and most important, they treat our child with love, respect and care. YFO also has a great food program, partnering with several local farms and providers. They garden in the summer months, too. They can even provide formula, if it is what your child uses. Also - there is a 'therapy room' at YFO where children can receive services, if needed. We are excited to keep our kiddo at YFO through preschool - YFO has collaborated with the Portland Public School system to create the first community-based public pre-k classroom in the district. A wonderful option for kids, parents and our community. Leaving your child at day care can be hard - but it becomes a lot easier when you trust in the care completely! YFO is a glowing example of what child care should be like!