Out of High School? Keep Learning with Us!
Nature Links Maine is committed to empowering young adults with disabilities as they navigate the exciting transition from high school, aligning with the Maine Department of Education's emphasis on comprehensive transition planning.
We recognize that each individual's journey is unique, and our program is designed to support a wide range of post-secondary goals. Participants will engage in activities that foster competitive integrated employment skills through practical projects, develop digital literacy for modern communication, and explore continuing education through workshops and expert-led sessions. We prioritize community engagement by facilitating volunteering opportunities and participation in local events, building vital social connections.
Our curriculum also addresses essential life skills, including finances and money management, and promotes health and recreation through outdoor activities and discussions on exercise and nutrition. Nature Links Maine helps participants connect with community resources and services, ensuring a seamless transition into adulthood and a fulfilling, integrated life. We are dedicated to providing the support and resources needed to achieve personal goals and build a strong foundation for future success.
Launch Your Future: Explore continuing education pathways through engaging workshops and learn from experts in various fields, virtually or in-person in Downeast Maine.
Build Your Digital Toolkit: Develop essential digital literacy skills for effective modern communication and navigating the online world, crucial for both personal and professional growth.
Gain Real-World Experience: Foster competitive integrated employment skills by participating in practical, hands-on projects that build valuable work-related abilities.
Connect with Your Community: Prioritize community engagement through supported volunteering opportunities and participation in local Bangor events, building vital social connections and a sense of belonging.
Master Essential Life Skills: Develop crucial skills in finances and money management, empowering greater independence in everyday life.
Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle: Promote your well-being through enjoyable outdoor activities in Maine's beautiful environment and learn about exercise and nutrition for a healthier you.
Forge Lasting Connections: Build meaningful friendships and a strong sense of community with fellow learners as you explore new interests and opportunities together.
What To Expect
Nature Links offers engaging classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with two sessions each day at 9:00 am ET and 10:00 am ET, each lasting one hour.
Classes focus on helping young adults with disabilities develop independence, explore their strengths, and apply them to work, hobbies, and relationships. Through interactive, hands-on learning, learners discover how they can engage in civic life, make positive changes in their communities, and understand the systems that impact their daily lives.
Using nature as a lens, learners explore how the world around them inspires innovation and problem-solving, and how their own curiosities and skills can lead to practical solutions and tools for a better life. Classes foster confidence, curiosity, and meaningful connections—building the skills and agency young adults need to thrive.
What Are We Learning?
All of our learning is rooted in opportunities to grow and advance personal potential. Learners explore their place in the world, lean into their strengths, and apply their natural gifts to helping, working, creating, and contributing. Along the way, we have fun, build connections, and practice real-world skills.
Here are just a few examples of the learning units we’ve been working on lately:
Discovering Strengths and Building Independence
In this series, learners explore their personal strengths and practice applying them to real-life goals—whether in jobs, hobbies, relationships, or daily routines. Students engage in hands-on activities that develop decision-making, prioritization, and self-advocacy, while reflecting on how their abilities guide choices and opportunities. Through these exercises, learners build confidence in matching their strengths to meaningful roles and gain skills to navigate postsecondary life with independence and purpose.
Civic Engagement and Community Participation
This series examines how learners can actively contribute to their communities through volunteering, civic awareness, and understanding local policies. Students explore practical ways to get involved, discuss how decisions in government and organizations affect daily life, and reflect on their role in shaping positive change. Activities emphasize communication, leadership, and collaboration, helping learners develop networks and confidence to participate fully in community life.
Why It Matters
All of our learning series are designed to support postsecondary transition goals:
Self-awareness and decision-making — understanding personal strengths and priorities
Independent living and community participation — navigating work, volunteering, and adult responsibilities
Civic understanding and leadership — learning how to contribute and advocate in communities
Building networks and confidence — connecting skills, interests, and relationships to real-life opportunities
By focusing on strengths, independence, and civic participation, every session gives learners the tools to make informed choices, contribute meaningfully, and move confidently into postsecondary life.
Sounds like something you’d like to join? We’d love to have you!
Submit the form with your interest, or:
Email us, and we’ll send you the invitation and class information. Connect with us at:
info@naturelinksmaine.org
Or give us a call:
207-735-7970