10 Years of Grit & Growth

2021 marks our 10 year anniversary. In 2011 we planted a seed – our first summer program where youth could play, learn, and just “be.” Just like the rings of a tree, each year of Tree Street has led to new growth: a renovated and expanded building, innovative youth-centered programs and partnerships, and a thriving community of people working together to boldly shape the future. Our growth would not have been possible without grit: determination, resilience and courage to push through any and all challenges has been our hallmark. 

Now it’s time to celebrate! We invite you to participate in the storytelling and celebration of Tree Street Youth’s 10 years of Grit & Growth.

Explore Our 10 Years of Grit & Growth

Our Journey

2012

  • 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status granted

  • Programming expands across the former childcare facility in the heart of the “Tree Streets” of downtown Lewiston

2015

CEDAR Program launched (Community Engagement to Develop Abilities and Readiness) created to engage alumni as interns.

2016

Launch of Tree Street’s first ever capital campaign-Campaign for Growth, raising $1.5 M to renovate the “Big Kids” side of the building.

2019

  • The REDWOOD Program is founded by a group of students and alumni as a space for girls’ and young women’s empowerment.

  • Additional $1M raised; Phase II of building construction completed and Marge Murphy Center for Exploration and Growth opens.
2011
  • Doors open! First summer camp led by the two founders, 3 college-aged volunteers, and 8 StreetLeaders (high school youth hired as camp counselors/mentors for elementary school kids)

  • First After School program begins, including the BRANCHES College Access Program

2013

First internship program with both summer and academic year internship cohorts

2014

“Our roots are planted!” We purchase the building thanks to a loan from the Genesis Fund.

2017

  • SEQUOIA Program launched in partnership with Dept. of Corrections to reduce juvenile contact with justice system.

  • Renovation is completed and the Geiger Center for Leadership & Learning opens.

2018

  • Next Step High begins its pilot year as a collaborative partnership between Tree Street Youth and Lewiston Public Schools and engages 20 high school-aged youth who want to “do high school differently”.

  • Phase 2 of construction begins on the “Little Kids” side and we say goodbye to the original building wing.

2020

Dramatic pivot to virtual programming and remote learning support for youth in response COVID-19 pandemic.

2021

Tree turns 10! We celebrate, honor, and reflect 10 years of Grit & Growth.

2011
  • Doors open! First summer camp led by the two founders, 3 college-aged volunteers, and 8 StreetLeaders (high school youth hired as camp counselors/mentors for elementary school kids)

  • First After School program begins, including the BRANCHES College Access Program

2012

  • 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status granted

  • Programming expands across the former childcare facility in the heart of the “Tree Streets” of downtown Lewiston

2013

First internship program with both summer and academic year internship cohorts

2014

“Our roots are planted!” We purchase the building thanks to a loan from the Genesis Fund.

2015

CEDAR Program launched (Community Engagement to Develop Abilities and Readiness) created to engage alumni as interns.

2016

Launch of Tree Street’s first ever capital campaign-Campaign for Growth, raising $1.5 M to renovate the “Big Kids” side of the building.

2017

  • SEQUOIA Program launched in partnership with Dept. of Corrections to reduce juvenile contact with justice system.

  • Renovation is completed and the Geiger Center for Leadership & Learning opens.

2018

  • Next Step High begins its pilot year as a collaborative partnership between Tree Street Youth and Lewiston Public Schools and engages 20 high school-aged youth who want to “do high school differently”.

  • Phase 2 of construction begins on the “Little Kids” side and we say goodbye to the original building wing.

2019

  • The REDWOOD Program is founded by a group of students and alumni as a space for girls’ and young women’s empowerment.

  • Additional $1M raised; Phase II of building construction completed and Marge Murphy Center for Exploration and Growth opens.

2020

Dramatic pivot to virtual programming and remote learning support for youth in response COVID-19 pandemic.

2021

Tree turns 10! We celebrate, honor, and reflect 10 years of Grit & Growth.

2019

It All Came Together!

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Read Our 10 Year Impact Report