Show 69: Program director at STRIVE & STRIVE U Pete Brown

Show Information

Show: 69
Air date: Saturday, July 6
Guest: Pete Brown
Host: Steve Woods (Stevoe)
Studio Contributor Debi Davis
Executive Producer: Mark Gould (Sharky)
Assistant Producer: Shannon Maguire

Peter “Pete” Brown is a Maine native and a graduate of the University of Southern Maine.  Brown was the past president of the Portland Kiwanis Club (supporting underprivliged children and work with local agencies to help area youth).  Brown tells Stevoe how he became involved in the non-profit field, where he first thought he wanted be a teacher.

Brown has been the Program Director for STRIVE since 1998, where he helps lead this local nonprofit that serves 11-25 year olds with developmental disabilities.  Stevoe and Brown discuss the many programs offered by STRIVE and how they met at the STRIVE Dance Marathon.  The two also discuss the wait list that many are facing in the state to get into such programs, the state funding and the independent fund raising that STRIVE does.

Pete Brown

TideSmart Talk with Stevoe host Steve Woods (left) is joined in the studio by program director at STRIVE and STRIVE U Pete Brown (right).

Created in 1999, STRIVE focuses on social, educational, and employment training programs, all designed to increase independence and opportunity for its members.  (STRIVE = Socialization, Transition, Reflection, Innovation, Vocation, Education)

The STRIVE Program of PSL Services is designed to address the many issues faced by young adults (ages 15-24) with disabilities. Areas that we focus on include: improving fundamental academic skills, developing leadership potential, improving economic opportunities through continuing education, enhancing or upgrading work skills, integrating literary and social skills into occupational/vocational opportunities, fostering career opportunities through education and training, and promoting peer support for parents and siblings of this young population.

STRIVE U is located in the West End of Portland and provides 2 years of intense training in a college-like program which allows graduates to be more independent.  STRIVE U is post-secondary education and independent living program founded in 2004.  This program serves as a national model for other similar non-profits assisting those with disabilities.


Posted on Tuesday, July 9th, 2013 and filed under Show Recaps.