Long Creek Youth Development Center

05/29/2026

Looking for a career that matters?

Hear why our staff chose Long Creek Youth Development Center and why they continue to serve.

Learn more and apply at: https://www.maine.gov/corrections/careers/jpw

05/22/2026

On Saturday May 16th, Juvenile Services along with Bronzeback Mainiacs hosted its annual Bass Fishing Tournament. Ten teams participated this year, including Juvenile Community Corrections clients, Long Creek residents, Juvenile Services staff, and volunteers. This year marked the largest tournament to date, with 30 individuals participating in the event.

🥇First place team finished with a total weight of 20.10 pounds of measurable smallmouth bass.
🥈Second place team finished with a total weight of 17.15 pounds of measurable smallmouth bass.
🏆The tournament “Lunker” was a 2.13-pound smallmouth bass.

Each youth participant was provided with a rod and reel combo along with a full tackle box to take with them.🎣✨

This event would not have been possible without the support of Friends of Long Creek, community partners, Maine Department of Corrections, and especially the dedication of Bronzeback Mainiacs for helping get these teams out on the water.⚓☀

05/18/2026

Today, residents helped plant 14 fruit trees along our driveway entrance. In the coming weeks high blueberry bushes will be added to the area.✨🌿

Orchards like this create local biodiversity and habitats for pollinators, like bees and butterflies for the community. This project works with our vegetable garden where fresh produce will be grown and used in our Kitchen.☀🐝🦋

The orchard includes:
🍏Apple
🍒Cherry
🍐Pear
🍎Plum




Maine Department of Corrections

05/08/2026

🌸🌼🌺

🌸 Mother’s Day is Almost Here 🌸

Looking for a meaningful gift for Mom this year? Stop by the Maine Correctional Industries Showroom and explore hundreds of handcrafted items made right here in Maine. 💝

From beautiful home décor and handcrafted furniture to epoxy serving trays, candles, kitchen items, rope products, garden décor, gifts, and more — we have something special for every kind of mom.

✨ Handmade with purpose
✨ One-of-a-kind gifts
✨ Support meaningful work programs in Maine

Whether your mom loves rustic farmhouse, coastal Maine charm, gardening, cooking, or cozy home accents… we’ve got you covered this Mother’s Day. 🌷

📍 358 Main Street, Thomaston
🕘 Open Daily 9AM–4PM

Shop local. Give meaningful. Celebrate Mom. ❤️

05/04/2026

Employee Appreciation Week! May 3rd–May 9th

⭐National Correctional Officers Week
⭐National Nurses Week
⭐Teacher Appreciation Week

This includes all our dedicated staff from Juvenile Program Workers, Juvenile Program Specialists, Acuity Specialists, Correctional Trade Instructors, Corporals, Juvenile Facility Operations Supervisors, Medical Professionals and Nurses, Mental Health Clinicians, Social Work, Food Service, Finance, Teachers and Educational support staff, Maintenance, Human Resources, and Administrative Support.

Each of you plays a vital role in our commitment to providing opportunities for success through personal growth.🌠

Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and the positive impact you make every day.✨

05/01/2026

Baron Warren, a nationally recognized speaker and life coach focused on personal growth and development, recently visited multiple Maine Department of Corrections facilities to deliver motivational inspiration to those in attendance.

During his visit to Long Creek Youth Development Center on April 24, staff observed a high level of engagement among the youth in attendance. In addition to delivering motivational content, Warren incorporated practical life skills into his presentation, including a demonstration on how to properly tie a necktie. This activity reinforced key themes of self-respect, preparation, and personal responsibility.

Baron’s message is centered on motivation and personal accountability through his framework, which is laid out in his book “The 5 Steps to Manhood”:

✅ Choose to be a man of integrity
✅ Discover your calling
✅ Be a lifelong learner
✅ Delight in responsibility
✅ Help another male, be a man of integrity

His approach emphasizes positive decision-making, self-awareness, and the importance of mentorship and support. The programming provided the youth with tools and perspective to support personal growth and future success.

Baron Warren has dedicated his work to serving communities by inspiring individuals to make meaningful changes in their lives. His visit was well received by both staff and participants, and his message aligned with the Department’s commitment to rehabilitation, personal development, and pro-social skills building.

04/29/2026

🌟April is Volunteer Appreciation Month!🌟

On April 16th, we hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon to honor and celebrate the incredible Volunteers who generously give their time and compassion to support the residents at Long Creek Youth Development Center.

You matter! Your presence makes a difference in ways that can’t always be measured, offering guidance, encouragement, and a reminder that positive connections are possible. Whether you’re mentoring, teaching, leading activities, or simply showing up consistently – you help create opportunities for growth, resilience, and hope. Exactly what our residents need.🌱✨

Thank you! for your dedication, your patience, and your belief in second chances. We are grateful to work alongside you all.🎗️🌻



Maine Department of Corrections

04/28/2026

On April 24th, in partnership with our friends at Portland Ovations, Long Creek residents and staff were entertained by local artists Samuel James and Michael Kebede.✨

Sam and Michael shared Black American folk songs and history through storytelling, vocals, and by playing a variety of banjos and guitars. They even shared their instruments with some of our budding resident musicians.🎶🎵🌱

A huge shoutout to Sam and Michael for their heart, passion, and talent—and to Portland Ovations for continually bringing new and meaningful creative opportunities to Long Creek. We are beyond grateful!

04/27/2026

Alchemy Acres visiting Long Creek Youth Development Center with their miniature horses✨

04/24/2026

This week, Alchemy Acres visited Long Creek. The residents met and interacted with miniature horses and learned about their equine enrichment program.✨

This was the first visit as part of a series of future programming events that will introduce additional horses.🐎

The three who visited us were named Larry, Cha Cha, and Big Mac.