For over a century, Good Will-Hinckley has been a place where Maine’s youth find support, education, and a pathway to brighter futures. Whether it’s through innovative programs, meaningful community partnerships, or the hard work of our dedicated team, every year we strive to make a lasting impact. This past year was no exception—it was a year filled with growth, connection, and celebration.
From exciting campus events to heartwarming community support, here’s a look back at the moments that made 2024 so special:
Engaging Campus Events
- LC Bates Summer Day Camps: A season filled with outdoor exploration, discovery, and creativity for children and families.
- Third Annual Fall Festival: The Third Annual Fall Festival was a weekend to remember, thanks to our sponsors and attendees. Highlights included the first-ever “Crafts, Drafts, and Laughs (And Pizza Too)” event on Friday night, which was a huge success, and a warm “Wel-Kum Bak” Reunion for the Class of 1974.
- First-Ever Museum Store Sunday Celebration: On December 1, the L.C. Bates Natural History Museum joined a global initiative to support museum shops.
- Sunday School Bridge Centennial: Celebrated the 100th anniversary of the beloved Sunday School Bridge.
- Bernd Heinrich Event: Welcomed the acclaimed author, naturalist, and proud Good Will-Hinckley alumnus for an inspiring talk and community gathering.
Empowering Community Support
- Hannaford Fuel Kids at School Program: With the support of a $9,000 donation from Hannaford we established the Campus Food Pantry (Campus Cupboard).
- Hannaford Community Bag Program: We partnered with Hannaford stores in Skowhegan and Waterville for a fundraiser, where $1 from each bag sold was donated to GWH to support our initiatives.
- Backpacks for Students: Filled with food for school breaks, backpacks were distributed to students thanks to the generous contributions by Karen and Greg Grenier of the Waterville Elks Lodge and Lori Costa of the Heart of Maine United Way.
- $5 Fridays for Thanksgiving: A month-long fundraiser to help provide meals for families in need.
- #GivingTuesday Campaign: In the spirit of the season, we reached out to our community on #GivingTuesday to support our programs and services, with generous donations making a real impact.
- Holiday Donations: Community members donated meals and cold-weather gear for the youth at Good Will-Hinckley.
- Wish List: Donors made purchases from our Amazon Wish List to support our youth and programs during the months of November and December.
- Annual Appeal: The Annual Appeal continues to play a vital role in sustaining our programs and services throughout the year. Thanks to the ongoing support from our community, we are able to provide essential resources and create lasting impacts for the youth we serve.
Welcoming New Team Members & Board Members
- Lyndell M. Bade: Appointed L.C. Bates Museum Director in 2024, Lyndell has been instrumental in expanding the museum’s role in central Maine. We also bid farewell to longtime Museum Director Deborah Staber.
- Angela Chute: An experienced board leader and business owner, Angela brings a results-driven, collaborative mindset to our Board of Directors, focused on achieving goals and creating win-win outcomes.
- Megan Gauvin: A proud Good Will-Hinckley alumna, Megan joined the Board of Directors, bringing a unique perspective and passion.
- Dawna-Jean Turchon: Growing up with a strong connection to GWH—both of her parents are alumni—Dawna-Jean has had the organization’s values and history instilled in her from a young age. She is deeply loyal to our mission and brings extensive experience in public policy and media to our Board of Directors.
Celebrating Excellence: GWH 2023-2024 Life Changer Awards
We honored outstanding staff members whose dedication and contributions have made a difference:
- Norman Icenogle, Head Cook
- Katrina Guptill, Finance Specialist Payables & Food Services Manager
- Cathy Joyce, Administrative Assistant, GSLC
- Jesse Hall, Lead Behavioral Health Professional, GSLC
Looking Ahead
As we step into 2025, our commitment to empowering youth and enriching our community grows stronger each day. The challenges we face and the milestones we achieve are a testament to the unwavering support of our community, the dedication of our staff, and the incredible resilience of the youth we serve. Every donation, every moment of time shared, and every act of kindness moves us closer to our vision of a brighter future.
Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. Together, we are shaping a future full of opportunity, growth, and hope at Good Will-Hinckley!