A team of 10 international students from Holland, Switzerland, Mexico, Canada and various parts of the U.S. has come to Lewiston for several months to lend a hand at the center. They are from the University of the Nations in Hawaii, and are assisting in the center’s abuse recovery course as well as offering area workshops on principles of wellness. They are lending practical assistance with center operations, maintaining the clothing and food distribution, working with the children and even painting the nursery.

Youth Works, a national youth organization, will be sending helpers to Hope House as well, to assist the full spring program.

On May 5, local groups coordinated by Rebuilding Together planned to complete needed maintenance projects on the premises. St. Hilaire Roofing recently made needed repairs on one of the buildings.

Mothers of Preschoolers, Intl., has identified the Lewiston center as a learning lab for cross-cultural mothers’ groups and is sharing free resources with them. Trac5, an international bridge building organization, has lent encouragement as well, including the Lewiston work in their affiliation of ambassadors working for peace.

A recent Neighborhood Moms’ Group at the center was filled with about 50 area moms from places like Honduras, Morocco, Congo, Somalia and native Mainers whose families came originally from Canada and Europe. A map has been posted on the center’s wall, with pins showing where the center’s attendees are from.

A recent moms’ class included distribution of first aid kits, a segment on potty-training, instruction on emergency burn care and a chart to encourage kids to help around the house. Moms are finding that parenting issues are really very similar from culture to culture.

To become a part of the Family Support Center, check out their schedule of activities at hopehousemaine.com. Upcoming events include a field trip to Range Pond, and a July 4 barbecue.