About Us

Since its founding in 1910, Opportunity Farm has provided a safe, nurturing home for boys and girls who have no where else to turn. The Farm has successfully served countless numbers of young people and helped them find the path to stable, productive lives.

It is the only institution in Maine that:

• intervenes early-well before troubled children reach the point of crisis that leads to state custody or incarceration
  
  
• makes a long-term commitment to personal development
  
  
• provides full financial support regardless of economic circumstances
  
  
• maintains a family connection,

Every resident of Opportunity Farm can count on the same thing: caring and careful adult supervision; a well-structured daily routine that includes a good mix of chores and fun; physical activity and rest, professional tutoring and regular studying; and individual counseling to help overcome emotional challenges.

After 97 years of providing homes for boys only. In 2001, The Farm's Board of Trustees decided to expand the Farm's mission and serve girls. The board approved a long-term capital plan to build and endow a separate campus for girls, on a property already owned by the Farm on Bennett Road in New Gloucester. The girls' campus is comprised two homes, serving a total of 12-14 girls. The first girls' home opened in December 2002 and named for former board member and philanthropist, Barbara "Bobbe" Welch Subsequently, the second home named for Senator Olympia Snowe opened in 2005.

“Choosing to honor Senator Snowe in the naming of this home was an easy decision for the Board,” says former Board Chair, Michael Healy. “She has had a life of considerable challenges, as have many of the girls for whom we provide services. Her life story, her overcoming tremendous adversities and her incredible accomplishments as a highly respected Maine and national leader serves as an inspiration to everyone at Opportunity Farm.”

" Opportunity Farm has an outstanding reputation for helping at-risk children find a path toward healthy and productive lives. I'm proud that Maine has an organization that can help these families." Joan Benoit Samuelson, Olympic Marathon Gold Medallist.