Our Mission
Mission
To build better lives and stronger communities across Maine, The Opportunity Alliance supports people with the programs and resources they need to improve their health, safety, and stability.
Vision
The Opportunity Alliance envisions a community in which all people in Maine have access to high-quality childcare and early childhood education programs, safe and stable housing, effective and compassionate mental health and substance use treatment, and basic needs supports.
Values
Respect and Trust – We uphold respect and trust as essential to all good interaction and all healthy relationships.
Diversity – We value diversity, individuality, and the unique contribution of each person.
Integrity – We believe integrity is exemplified in sound ethical organizational practices and service delivery.
Collaboration and Community – We value the power of strong relationships deemed vital to working with children, youth, adults, families, community partners, and funding sources.
Empathy and Compassion – We believe that empathy and compassion are the cornerstones of a humane and civil society and of greater community interconnection.
Empowerment – We value a process that fosters self-determination in individuals and communities, thereby emboldening people to act on and implement solutions to issues which they define as important.
Advocacy – We believe that all people have the right to advocate for and influence their own well-being, and that of their families and communities.
Meeting Maine’s Challenges with Compassion and Innovation
Across Maine, individuals and families face growing challenges—from a severe housing shortage and homelessness crisis to mental health emergencies and limited access to community supports, especially in rural areas. These issues don’t exist in isolation—and neither do our solutions.
At The Opportunity Alliance (TOA), we take a holistic approach to care. We support the whole individual, whole family, and whole neighborhood through tightly connected programs and strategic partnerships. Our wrap-around services are designed to meet urgent needs while building long-term stability.
What We Do
TOA works side-by-side with residents and community partners to:
· Keep people safe and healthy
· Help families navigate crisis
· Break the cycle of poverty
· Strengthen neighborhoods
We provide the tools and support Mainers need to build the foundations of family stability and self-sufficiency.
Who We Are
TOA is a dynamic, results-driven Community Action Agency working predominantly in Cumberland County, Maine. We serve over 24,000 people annually and answer an additional 200,000+ calls to the Maine Crisis Line/988 and 211 Maine.
With 60 years of experience, we offer a wide range of integrated community-based and clinical programs across four pillars of service:
Behavioral Health & Wellness
Community Well-Being
Childcare & Early Childhood Education
Poverty & Economic Mobility
Our Approach
Our clients are our priority. We are:
Trauma-Informed: Our care framework prioritizes safety, empowerment, and healing for both clients and providers.
Data-Driven: We use a framework based on the Results-Based Accountability model to measure impact and continuously improve.
Accredited & Licensed: TOA is accredited by the Council on Accreditation and the American Association of Suicidology, and holds Mental Health and Substance Abuse Agency licenses from DHHS.
Crisis Services
As the state’s designated crisis services provider for Cumberland County, TOA offers:
24/7 mental health support through the Maine Crisis Line/988 and 211 Maine
Residential treatment facilities
Case management for children, youth, and adults
Community Partnerships
We know we can’t do this work alone. TOA collaborates with:
Schools
Faith communities
Law enforcement
Businesses
Social service agencies
Funders
Municipalities
Together, we identify barriers and build pathways to success—empowering individuals and families to connect with natural supports and local resources.
Our Roots
TOA was formed in 2011 through the merger of three legacy organizations: Ingraham, Peoples Regional Opportunity Program (PROP), and Youth Alternatives. This foundation gives us the strength and flexibility to evolve with the needs of our communities.
Help Starts Here
Every day—and especially in times of crisis—help starts here. Our honeycomb approach allows us to deliver comprehensive, adaptable solutions with the leadership and capacity to meet Maine’s most pressing challenges.
Learn about our Direct Client Support Grants here.
To make a donation to The Opportunity Alliance please contact Lily Lynch, VP of Development & Communication.