LEWISTON — New Beginnings, an agency serving youth, is launching a new Host Home Program that will support struggling teens in southern Maine.

Established in 1980, New Beginnings provides a variety of youth programs ranging from basic shelter to community based services in the Lewiston, Farmington and Augusta areas.

In 2011, New Beginnings provided emergency shelter for approximately 130 teenagers, 35 percent from Cumberland and York counties, according to a release from the agency.

The recently developed Host Home Program will provide teens with temporary housing in homes located in these counties.

“While placed in a host home, teens will have the opportunity to work out problems with their families so they can return home,” the release states. “Host homes will provide teens with an alternative to the streets, correctional facilities or other unsafe and inappropriate living places. New Beginnings hopes to have homes in most communities in Southern Maine so teens can stay connected to school and their own communities.”

Host home operators receive training and 24-hour support from New Beginnings, a daily stipend and other expense reimbursement.

Informational meetings about the program will run from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 10 and May 22 in Suite 101 at 550 Forest Ave., Portland, Suite 101.

For more information, call Jada Caron at 795-4070, email jada@newbeginmaine.org or check the website at www.newbeginmaine.org.

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