Press Releases

Construction on a new youth job readiness center in Biddeford can begin thanks to federal funds secured by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine). One of 15 projects Pingree submitted for Community Project Funding in the Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations bill, Apex Youth Connection will receive $750,000 for its Future Focus Job Readiness Center, which will target the York County community’s most at-risk youth and young adults to teach job readiness and life skills.

“In a time when Maine desperately needs to grow its skilled workforce, Apex Youth Connection is fostering the next generation of workers while preparing and supporting our most vulnerable youth for life outside the classroom,” Pingree said. “I’m thrilled this funding I fought for was included in the final government funding bill, and I’m eager to see Apex Youth Connection’s plans to support the York County community come to life with this new youth-focused job readiness center.”

"Apex Youth Connection is one of the many scrappy, local nonprofits that make a huge impact in Maine's communities. We are grateful to Congress for investing in a grassroots organization like Apex by providing critical support that will allow us to grow," said Melissa Cilley, Executive Director of Apex Youth Connection. "In York County, there are currently over 300 system-involved and other at-risk young people whose full potential is untapped. This Congressional support will allow Apex to open the Future Focus Job Readiness Center in Biddeford, partnering with at-risk youth and other strategic partners to change lives. The investment will help ensure that no youth gets left behind as we all strive to ‘Grow Local Talent’ in accord with Maine's Focus on Talent and Innovation. We very much appreciate Congresswoman Pingree's vision and advocacy in support of this project."

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