The City of Portland’s Natural Helpers Class of 2026 celebrated its graduation ceremony on June 13 at The Casco in Portland, with a ceremony organized by the City of Portland’s Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO). Their mission is to cultivate a community where every diverse voice has a seat at the table, and draw on the wisdom of cultures from near and far.
“We are living under conditions where hate seems to be the popular move,” said Melissa Hue, director of the OEO. “It’s actually community, generosity, and helping others that are the popular moves. We’re just trying to make being helpful cool again, finding kind hearted people, people who have an affinity to do good, and people who have an affinity to be empathetic and take on the burdens of others.”
This year’s fellowship brought together 14 community leaders who were recognized for their contributions across the public sector, nonprofit organizations, community-based initiatives, and local neighborhoods. Participants collectively spoke 13 languages, represented 10 countries of origin, and came from five different towns across Maine, reflecting the program’s growing diversity and reach.
“Fellows gain practical skills,” said Aram Guptill, a project specialist for the OEO, “build relationships with mentors and community members, and engage in important conversations about social issues, all while having immersive experiences that broaden their understanding of the world.”
Since it was first launched in 2019, the Natural Helpers program has grown into a five-month fellowship that offers participants immersive leadership experiences. Under its expanded model, the program now collaborates with around 75 organizations and businesses.
“This year, we added new activities,” Hue said, “an additional month including lobster fishing with Lift All Boats to learn about Maine’s blue economy, a bowling night sponsored by Bayside Bowl, and rock climbing sponsored by Evo Maine. Local organizations and businesses supported these experiences because they believe in our mission and want to strengthen community connections.”
Over the course of the fellowship, participants completed more than 60 hours of leadership seminars hosted by 26 community partners. Fellows provided direct support to 60 individuals through job searches and resource navigation, and assisted 24 people in advancing their career pathways through mentorship and networking. Additionally, 21 individuals received housing-related support.
The program also recorded significant community impact, including 648 one-on-one and small group support interactions, and outreach to an estimated 4,833 individuals through presentations, workshops, and social media engagement.
“I was struck again and again by the energy, dedication, and skill that this group brings to our state,” said State Rep. Traci Gere (House District 134). “We are fortunate to have their leadership, participation, and hard work in our shared community.”
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With the support of the Natural Helpers Program’s main partner and sponsor, the Albert B. Glickman Foundation, each Natural Helpers Fellow is eligible to receive up to $1,000 to continue expanding resource access and knowledge sharing in their communities after completing the program.
Fellows’ Voices
For many participants, the program served as a transformative experience.
Ketsia Kabela shared that Natural Helpers helped her discover and strengthen her voice as an advocate. “I now know that I have a voice, and it’s a powerful voice,” she said. “No matter your challenges or how difficult your life has been, nothing is impossible. You are capable of advocating for others and becoming something bigger and stronger for your community.”
“When you come here, there are many challenges and barriers that we face as immigrants,” said Obed Krimpon Mottambuachi. “Being part of this program has had a real impact on my life.”
Patience Mudjgiwa reflected on how the fellowship has enabled her to improve communication within families. “Through this program, I gained the support and connections I need to help bridge the gap between immigrant parents and their children,” she said.
Alumni Reflections
Natural Helpers alumni also emphasized the importance of continuing to build on the program’s momentum.“Don’t let this momentum fade away,” said Carla Muniz. “Use this as leverage and use the connections you have now.”
Sara Fitzgerald, another alumna, highlighted the importance of empowerment through knowledge and connection. “I like to teach people how to fish rather than give them fish, because then you can feed yourself for a lifetime,” she said. “This is not just leadership, it’s community building.”
Community Perspectives
Martha Stein, former executive director of Hope Acts, emphasized the program’s value in bringing together existing community leaders. “When you bring that commitment and connection together, it creates something truly powerful.”
Mardochée Mbongi, former president of the Congolese Community of Maine and board chair for the Immigrants Community Integration (ICI) in Maine. Maine, praised the program’s positive impact on immigrant leaders. “I feel like the future will be much brighter with Natural Helpers,” he said. “It empowers people to help others, give back to the community, and continue making a difference.”
Lauren Lindenbaum, outreach and initiatives coordinator at OEO, said, “Natural Helpers are the people who show up for each other. The more people see themselves as having something to give and share, the more we can accomplish together.”
Growing Impact
Hue highlighted the strong impact of the Natural Helpers Program, noting that fellows have created community opportunities, received funding for initiatives, and completed over 2,700 community touchpoints since the fellowship began. She emphasized how participants break barriers, expand access to resources, and build strong connections through shared experiences. “They bond, they build family, they grow culture, they introduce culture, and they learn from each other,” Hue said. “They take part in joyful experiences that teach them that life is hard, but moments of laughter and triumph are just as important in resilience.”
The Natural Helpers program has recently expanded beyond Maine through partnerships with Welcoming America and has been invited to national conferences and institutions, including Stanford University, to share its model.
“Natural Helpers is not just training. It is about building people toward their mission in the community,” said Hue.
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the early July 2026 print edition of Amjambo Africa.
