Check made out to: SKILLS, Inc.
Address to send check: 
461 Hartland Rd, St. Albans, ME 04971

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1732643351/zfd6iqkj1ail2ox7uuf1.png" style="width:600px;display:block;vertical-align:top;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;position:relative;max-width:100%;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit" />Dear Friend of SKILLS,The generous support we’ve received over the last year has allowed more Mainers with intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, autism, and other disabilities to live their most independent and fulfilling lives. It’s with deep thanks that I write to share about one of our triumphs in 2024 - the launch of Opportunities Driving School - made possible through the generosity of an Innovations grant from the State of Maine, Office of Aging and Disability Services. With grant support now ended we ask you to consider a gift in any amount to SKILLS, Inc. to help make 2025 our most impactful year yet.Opportunities Driving School:<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Opened in May 2024 and is the 1st in Maine dedicated to helping adults with disabilities learn to drive, gaining independence of travel</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">In 6 months, 18 individuals successfully completed Driver’s Education, 10 received their Learner's Permit</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">2 individuals received their Driver’s License after completing Opportunities Driving School enabling independence and employment</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Employs 2 DOT-licensed Drivers Education instructors, both experienced and certified as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">State of the art driving simulator allows individuals to be screened for readiness, gain driving skills, and build comfort before taking to the road</li></ul>Instructor Andrea Householder says of the program, “we are providing individuals with the opportunity to improve their lives by gaining more independence. By providing the chance to earn their Driver’s License we are also providing them with a positive hope to gain a sense of self confidence and value. Thus reducing the stigma of being an individual with disabilities and seen more as a person with ABILITIES.”We are eager to see what 2025 brings at SKILLS, Inc., and know that our entire team is committed to making it our most impactful year yet. Please consider making a year end gift to support our work.In gratitude,<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1732639681/okyecbncu8mrtdmbiqhd.png" style="width:192px;display:inline-block;vertical-align:bottom;margin-right:5px;margin-left:5px;text-align:center;max-width:calc(100% - 10px);position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit" />Kristin Overton, Executive Director

Hello <span data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style style="background-color:rgb(248, 248, 255);border:1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255);border-radius:4px;color:rgb(42, 42, 196);padding:1px 8px;font-size:11px;display:inline-block;margin:0px;overflow-wrap:anywhere;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit">First name, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting SKILLS, Inc. and Opportunities Driving School. This donation greatly helps our mission by providing critical operating support. If you would like to contribute further to our cause, please share our social media posts! Kristin Overton koverton@skillsinc.net 207-938-0220

Hello First name,
 
 Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for registering to fundraise for our cause. Your efforts will make a significant impact, and we are excited to have you as part of our fundraising team. 👏
 
 💡 Here are some tips for sharing your campaign:
 <ol>
 <li>Personalize Your Story: Share why this cause is important to you. Personal stories resonate more with potential donors.</li>
 <li>Use Social Media: Post about your campaign on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. Include the campaign link and a compelling image or video.</li>
 <li>Email Your Network: Send a personal email to friends, family, and colleagues explaining why you are fundraising and how they can help.</li>
 <li>Regular Updates: Keep your supporters informed with updates on your progress and any milestones you reach. This keeps them engaged and more likely to share your campaign.</li>
 </ol>
 Kristin Overton koverton@skillsinc.net 2079380220

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1732643351/zfd6iqkj1ail2ox7uuf1.png" style="width:600px;display:block;vertical-align:top;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit;max-width:100%" />Dear Friend of SKILLS,The generous support we’ve received over the last year has allowed more Mainers with intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, autism, and other disabilities to live their most independent and fulfilling lives. It’s with deep thanks that I write to share about one of our triumphs in 2024 - the launch of Opportunities Driving School - made possible through the generosity of an Innovations grant from the State of Maine, Office of Aging and Disability Services. With grant support now ended we ask you to consider a gift in any amount to SKILLS, Inc. to help make 2025 our most impactful year yet.Opportunities Driving School:<ul><li>Opened in May 2024 and is the 1st in Maine dedicated to helping adults with disabilities learn to drive, gaining independence of travel</li><li>In 6 months, 18 individuals successfully completed Driver’s Education, 10 received their Learner's Permit</li><li>2 individuals received their Driver’s License after completing Opportunities Driving School enabling independence and employment</li><li>Employs 2 DOT-licensed Drivers Education instructors, both experienced and certified as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)</li><li>State of the art driving simulator allows individuals to be screened for readiness, gain driving skills, and build comfort before taking to the road</li></ul>Instructor Andrea Householder says of the program, “we are providing individuals with the opportunity to improve their lives by gaining more independence. By providing the chance to earn their Driver’s License we are also providing them with a positive hope to gain a sense of self confidence and value. Thus reducing the stigma of being an individual with disabilities and seen more as a person with ABILITIES.”We are eager to see what 2025 brings at SKILLS, Inc., and know that our entire team is committed to making it our most impactful year yet. Please consider making a year end gift to support our work.In gratitude,<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1732639681/okyecbncu8mrtdmbiqhd.png" style="width:192px;display:inline-block;vertical-align:bottom;margin-right:5px;margin-left:5px;text-align:center;position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit;max-width:100%" />Kristin Overton, Executive Director

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SKILLS, Inc.

### Context Profile for SKILLS, Inc.

1. **Organization Mission & Cause:**
   SKILLS, Inc. is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through skill development, community engagement, and participation in sports. Their mission is to foster inclusion and support for these individuals, helping them build confidence and friendships through various activities, particularly in sports like the Special Olympics.

2. **Type of Activities:**
   - **Sports Programs:** Participation in events like the Special Olympics, including competitions in bocce, track, and field.
   - **Fundraising Campaigns:** Initiatives such as the "SKILLS United 2025 Special Olympics Team Fundraiser" to support athlete participation and related expenses.
   - **Community Engagement:** Activities that promote social inclusion and community building among individuals with disabilities.

3. **Tone of Voice:**
   The tone of SKILLS, Inc. is friendly, inspiring, and supportive. Their communications emphasize encouragement and community spirit, aiming to motivate donors and volunteers to contribute to their cause. The language is accessible and warm, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

4. **Emoji Usage:**
   SKILLS, Inc. uses emojis sparingly but effectively in their communications. For example, they include a megaphone emoji (📣) in their fundraising campaign to draw attention and create excitement. The heart emoji (💙) is used in their thank-you emails, adding a personal touch and warmth to their messages.

5. **Key Facts:**
   - **Founding Info:** Specific founding details were not available on the website.
   - **Scale:** The organization appears to be community-focused with a strong emphasis on local events and programs.
   - **Impact Metrics:** While specific metrics were not detailed, the emphasis on athlete participation and community support suggests a significant positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities.
   - **Volunteer Info:** The website encourages community involvement, although specific volunteer metrics or opportunities were not explicitly detailed.

6. **Writing Guidelines:**
   - Use a friendly and encouraging tone that reflects the organization's mission of support and empowerment.
   - Incorporate calls to action that inspire community involvement and donations, emphasizing the impact of contributions.
   - Use bold text for key points to enhance readability and engagement.
   - Include emojis where appropriate to convey enthusiasm and warmth, but do so sparingly to maintain professionalism.
   - Personalize communications when possible, using the recipient's name to foster a connection.

This context profile serves as a foundational guide for creating personalized and engaging content for SKILLS, Inc., ensuring alignment with their mission and communication style.

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SKILLS, Inc.

Support Independence for People with Disabilities

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