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Penobscot County · Maine

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in Orono.

Food, a place to stay, care, or a little help with the everyday. Find your next step in and around Orono, Maine.

Explore 4 local listings

What would help today?

Start with a need. Explore your options.

Help around Orono.

4 local listings. Contact the organization before visiting.

  • Parenting & family

    Adoptive & Foster Families of Maine (AFFM)

    34 Main St, Orono, ME 04473

    Free statewide support for adoptive, foster, and kinship families, including grandparents raising grandchildren. Five regional kinship navigators help families access training, legal information, and peer support.

    Hours & eligibility
    Listed hours
    Mon-Fri, call for hours
    Who this helps
    Open to all adoptive, foster, and kinship families in Maine. Services are free regardless of child welfare involvement.

    Confirm details with the organization.

  • Autism Resources & Family Support

    Maine Autism Institute for Education and Research (MAIER)

    5766 Shibles Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469

    Statewide resource providing free information, family-to-family mentoring, professional development, and navigation support for families of children with autism. Partnership between UMaine and Maine DOE.

    Hours & eligibility
    Listed hours
    Contact for hours (university-based)
    Who this helps
    Families of children with autism, educators, service providers, post-secondary students. All resources are free.

    Confirm details with the organization.

  • Pantry

    Black Bear Exchange

    University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469

    Free food and clothing resource for University of Maine students. Open multiple days per week during the academic year with no appointment needed.

    Hours & eligibility
    Listed hours
    Mon & Wed 12:30-4:30PM, Fri Noon-4PM, Sat 9AM-Noon
    Who this helps
    University of Maine students with a valid MaineCard.

    Confirm details with the organization.

  • College & career

    Maine Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC)

    5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 314, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469

    Federal TRIO program helping adults access post-secondary education. Free advising on college admissions, financial aid, career planning, and application assistance. Serves adults statewide through regional advisors.

    Hours & eligibility
    Listed hours
    Monday - Friday, call for appointment
    Who this helps
    Adults who are first-generation college students or meet income guidelines. Services are free.

    Confirm details with the organization.

These listings include nearby communities. Hours, locations, and eligibility can change. Call to check which service fits your situation.

Make the first step a little easier.

You don’t need all the answers before reaching out.

  1. Start with a call.

    Explain what you need and ask whether the program serves your town or household.

  2. Check where to go.

    A mailing address may differ from the service location. Confirm the place, hours, and any appointment.

  3. Ask what to bring.

    Check which documents are needed. Mention language, mobility, or transportation needs when you call.