April 20, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE NORTHERN LIGHTHOUSE, INC. RECEIVES GRANT TO SUPPORT AROOSTOOK COUNTY’S FIRST EMERGENCY SHELTER FOR HOMELESS YOUTH
PRESQUE ISLE, ME – The Northern Lighthouse, Inc. (TNLH) was recently awarded a $91,546 grant by the
Rodney and Mary Barton Smith Family Foundation to support Safe Harbor Shelter, an all-inclusive emergency
shelter for homeless youth ages 10-17 in Aroostook County. These funds were to be used for the purpose of
assisting with the costs of the fire alarm system, sprinkler system, and building improvements that are
necessary to open the shelter.
“The support and funds we have received from the Rodney and Mary Barton Smith Family Foundation were
integral to the startup of Safe Harbor Shelter” said Blake Hatt, Chief Operations Officer at TNLH. He
continued, “Their generosity will be felt across Aroostook County once the Safe Harbor Shelter is open and
providing much needed support to the youth of Aroostook County.”
These funds have helped us make capital improvements to the Safe Harbor Shelter and have played a major
part in helping The Northern Lighthouse, Inc. prepare to open the doors of the shelter. Because of the
generous support from the Rodney and Mary Barton Smith Family Foundation, The Northern Lighthouse, Inc.
has been able to transform its existing building into an emergency shelter. Safe Harbor Shelter will be located
on 14 Main Street in Mars Hill, Maine.
The Northern Lighthouse, Inc. is grateful for the support from the Rodney and Mary Barton Smith Family
Foundation for this project. Because of their support, The Northern Lighthouse, Inc. will be able to open the
shelter within the upcoming months, once the sprinkler system installation is complete. Safe Harbor Shelter
will provide safe emergency shelter and support services to children and teens, providing a solution to the gap
of needed services for homeless youth in Aroostook County.
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The Northern Lighthouse, Inc. provides outpatient therapy and case management for children, families, and adults, as
well as community skill building and intensive residential support services for youth and young adults ages 8 to 21.
Established in 2001, we provide exceptional care for adults and children with mental health and behavioral disabilities in
4 locations throughout Aroostook County. In 2021, we served over 564 individuals and families. We provide services to
support individuals and families, build self-confidence and self-esteem, personal responsibility, as well as skill
development. We employ 71 staff who assist families and children with varying disabilities, HCT, Case Management,
Residential Treatment, Outpatient therapy, and Section 28 Services. Staff encourages parents and family members to
make informed choices regarding their children, by providing education geared towards the specific challenges that they
face. The Northern Lighthouse, Inc. team continues to ensure a nondiscriminatory and respectful setting inclusive of
culture, social, and religious differences. We serve on a referral basis including self-referral and we accept most
insurances. For more information, please visit tnlh.org or contact Blake Hatt, Chief Operations Officer, at (207) 540-1522
ext. 204, or email blake.hatt@tnlh.org.