Volunteer
Stay tuned for volunteer opportunities.
Somali Bantu Community Association thrives because of the involvement of people like you. Please explore the various ways to be part of our community.
Work With Us
Grant Writer
The Somali Bantu Community Association (SBCA) is a unique and evolving immigrant-led 501(c)3 organization with 13 year-round team members. Our dedicated and knowledgeable staff work to advance our mission to provide vital transitional services, youth engagement, land access, and resources for food production that empower members of the refugee and immigrant community to uphold cultural identity and economic well-being and thrive in their new life here in Maine. Since 2005, the SBCA has envisioned a self-actualized community that uplifts individuals and families in dynamic and culturally responsive ways to address their needs and visions for the future. We believe that equal access to plentiful resources and connections can enable community growth. If you believe this too and have strong grant writing experience, the SBCA may be a great match!
The SBCA is seeking a Grant Writer to oversee and secure grant funding for the four major programs of the organization and work collaboratively with program staff to develop project plans, budgets, applications, complete reports, and support funder relationships. The Grant Writer will work closely with the Executive Director and Finance & Systems Director to set long-term, sustainable organizational goals that reflect the voice of the community we serve.
This position can offer you the opportunity to:
- Collaborate with passionate and diverse changemakers in the network of Maine nonprofits working in food justice, agriculture, youth development, and client navigation services
- Influence the strategic direction of a highly respected non-profit organization
- Bring confidence and experience to the grant process and guide team members to build collaborative and meaningful relationships
- Directly impact the well-being of 13 team members and indirectly affect the well-being of over 3,000 we served in the community last year
- Develop your grant writing and management skills with a diversified portfolio of grant types and sizes
What’s needed to be successful in this position:
- A deep commitment to our social justice mission
- 5+ years of experience working within nonprofits or grassroots organizations, with education or demonstrated experience in writing grants and fundraising
- Experience providing services and support to marginalized communities
- Willingness to learn about the organization’s stakeholders, programs, and vision
- Patience and openness working with people from varying backgrounds and experiences
- Detail-oriented and creative problem solver who works well in a team setting
- Strong oral and intercultural communication skills
- Reliable transportation, cell phone, and valid driver’s license. Consultants are expected to use their own vehicle and personal cell phone for work
- Experience or familiarity working with immigrant and refugee communities is a plus
The Grant Writer works remotely part-time and is expected to be available during some normal business hours and attend weekly staff meetings. Travel to Lewiston, Wales, and other locations is required when needed for special meetings and events.
This is a part-time, hourly staff role expected to work up to 20 hours/week starting at $30/hr.
Half-time regular employees (working 20 hours per week) are eligible for up to 80 hours (20 days) of PTO per calendar year, which includes personal and sick days. Eligible holidays per year will be 14 flexible paid holidays per calendar year based on 4 hours per holiday. Part-time employees also qualify to receive a quarterly health and technology stipend.
To apply, email a resume and cover letter detailing your interest in the program and experience working cross-culturally to SBCA’s People, Culture & Communications Director, Lana Cannon Dracup, at [email protected]. The deadline for this position is October 1, 2026.
The Somali Bantu Community Association is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to equity and inclusion in our workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and consider applications for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. If you need assistance or accommodation in the application process, please contact us at [email protected].
Youth Program Assistant
The Somali Bantu Community Association (SBCA) is a unique and evolving immigrant-led 501(c)3 organization with 13 year-round team members. Our dedicated and knowledgeable staff work to advance our mission to provide vital transitional services, youth engagement, land access, and resources for food production that empower members of the refugee and immigrant community to uphold cultural identity and economic well-being to thrive in their new life here in Maine. Since 2005, the SBCA has envisioned a self-actualized community that uplifts individuals and families in dynamic and culturally responsive ways to address their needs and visions for the future. We believe that equal access to plentiful resources and connections can enable community growth. If you believe this too, and have experience working with young people, the SBCA may be a great match!
The SBCA is seeking a Youth Program Assistant to play an integral role in supporting programs for young people aged 5 to 18 years old, including farm-based education and youth engagement activities in year round programming in partnership with UMaine 4-H. The Youth Assistant will work closely with the Kashekee Youth Program Coordinator to provide essential support in the planning and implementation of programs designed to assist youth in the community.
This position can offer you the opportunity to:
- Collaborate with passionate and diverse changemakers in the network of Maine nonprofits working in food justice, agriculture, youth development, and client navigation services
- Incorporate youth voices, vision, and interests into SBCA’s youth programming
- Interact with young people as they navigate their identities, future goals, and have fun
- Directly impact the well being of 75 youth over the course of the year
- Work with a dedicated and knowledgeable team of youth development professionals
What’s needed to be successful in this position:
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Experience working with youth or families in a community-based setting is preferred
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Proficiency in Maay Maay and/or Somali
The Youth Program Assistant works in-person at SBCA’s Office & Community Center in downtown Lewiston. This position will accompany youth on field trips and is expected to attend special events, trainings, and meetings when necessary.
This is a part-time, non-exempt position with 20-30 hours work week, with a base wage of $22 per hour, paid bi-weekly. Reviews are conducted annually and coincide with a 7.5% increase dependent on performance.
Part-time regular employees (working 20-30 hours per week) are eligible for up to 120 hours of Paid Time Off (PTO) per calendar year. Eligible holidays include 14 paid days per calendar year on a flexible basis. Part-time regular employees are entitled to a health insurance stipend of $225 per month and cell phone reimbursement of $25 per month, both of which are paid to team members quarterly. A background check is required for this position.
To apply, email a resume and cover letter detailing your interest in the program and experience working cross-culturally to SBCA’s People, Culture & Communications Director, Lana Cannon Dracup at [email protected]. The deadline for this position is October 1, 2026.
The Somali Bantu Community Association is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to equity and inclusion in our workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and consider applications for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. If you need assistance or accommodation in the application process, please contact us at [email protected].
