LEWISTON — Dawne Havener, chairwoman of the New Beginnings Fundraising Committee, has announced that the annual campaign of the board to raise funds for homeless and at-risk youth and adults will begin on Wednesday, Dec. 1.

“The goal this year is to raise $10,000. The board has already raised several thousands of dollars from staff and board members and a generous donation of $1,500 from Central Maine Credit Union,” said Haverner.”

Central Maine Federal Credit Union, 1000 Lisbon St., has been a supporter of New Beginnings for many years.

Bob Rowe, executive director, said New Beginnings opened its first program for runaway and homeless youth, an emergency shelter, in March of 1980. In the three decades since then, the agency has created a continuum of services, and more than 10,000 young people and families have utilized its shelter, outreach or transitional living services.

In 2009, 600 youth who were homeless or at imminent risk for homelessness were served by the agency’s programs.

Funds raised will be used to support all of the programs of New Beginnings, including New Beginnings Shelter, transitional living program and outreach services.

For more information or to donate, contact New Beginnings at 795-4077. Send donations to New Beginnings at 436 Main St., Lewiston.