Local Businesses Embrace Season of Giving by Empowering Maine Students Through Junior Achievement

Author: JA Maine
Corporate Responsibility
Published: Thursday, 20 Nov 2025

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As Thanksgiving and Giving Tuesday approach, Maine businesses are demonstrating that generosity goes beyond financial contributions—it’s about investing time, expertise, and hope in the next generation.

Many of Junior Achievement of Maine (JA Maine) partners, including Unum, Empeople, Maine Savings Federal Credit Union (MSFCU), Seaboard Federal Credit Union (SFCU), and MMG Insurance, highlight a culture of giving within their organizations.

Maine Savings Federal Credit Union committed to three JAIDs this fall in Old Town and Hermon, engaging students in interactive lessons on money management and career planning.
Seaboard Federal Credit Union hosted two JAIDs this fall and will return in the spring for another in Hermon and Bucksport.
MMG Insurance became the first organization to “adopt a school” this fall, bringing JA programming to the entire Presque Isle Middle School.

Each school year, Unum offers a range of volunteer opportunities—from JA Job Shadow experiences to classroom sessions—engaging over 50 Unum employees in the 2024-2025 school year, while continuing to grow its volunteer base.

“Maine Savings puts community at the forefront of everything we do. Our relationship with Junior Achievement dovetails perfectly with our core values of working together to form stronger, more vibrant communities. Being welcomed in area schools and working with students from 2nd grade through high school has allowed us to share our financial expertise and compassion. It’s not just a one-way conversation—each time we engage with students, we personally find hope and joy in these interactions. We strive to make a positive impact each time.” -Lynn Anderson, AVP Professional Development, Maine Savings Federal Credit Union

“Volunteering and supporting JA is vital in building thriving communities. Whether it's elementary, or high school students, having a hand in their development is beyond rewarding. I'm so grateful to be a part of the JA community, and Evergreen's partnership is truly making a difference for the better!” – Jeanna Coates, Community Partnership Manager, Evergreen Credit Union

“At Empeople Credit Union, our commitment is rooted in people, their aspirations, their growth, and their limitless potential. That’s why we proudly support Junior Achievement’s mission to prepare and inspire younger generations for success. By fostering mentorship, building confidence, and creating opportunities, we’re helping unlock their potential and shape a brighter future.” – Maureen St. John, AVP, Human Resources, Empeople Credit Union

“Unum’s partnership with Junior Achievement of Maine reflects our caring spirit and our commitment to strengthening the communities where we live and work while investing in the next generation. For more than 12 years, we’ve collaborated with JA Maine to help students build the skills they need for future success. This long-standing partnership demonstrates how sustained collaboration can create lasting impact for students and communities alike.” -Kelly Thayer, Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, Unum

By supporting their employees through team-building initiatives like JA In A Day, offering paid volunteer time, and fostering a strong corporate social responsibility ethos, these organizations are doing more than giving back—they are accelerating students’ economic mobility and equipping them with the skills and mindset to envision choice-filled futures. In doing so, they are making a profound investment in Maine’s future as a state where generosity and community engagement are as iconic as the pine tree.

While these partnerships with JA Maine are investments in Maine’s economic future that prepare its students to be part of a thriving workforce and contribute to a resilient economy, they also create ripple effects that lead to stronger communities.

Through their partnership with Junior Achievement of Maine, these organizations exemplify a culture of giving that strengthens communities and prepares students for success. By volunteering in classrooms, corporate partners help equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to thrive, ensuring a brighter future for Maine’s workforce and economy.

About Junior Achievement of Maine
Junior Achievement of Maine is dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through volunteer-led programs focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness, JA Maine equips students with the tools to build brighter futures. Learn more at www.jamaine.org.