The Telling Room Expands Youth Programs in New Facility
The Portland literary nonprofit relocated to Washington Avenue to increase its footprint by 50 percent.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Philanthropy
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In September 2026, The Telling Room moved its headquarters from Commercial Street to 55 Washington Avenue in Portland. This new facility provides 50% more space for youth writing workshops serving students aged 6-18.
Why it matters
The relocation allows the literary nonprofit to increase its capacity for community events, including author readings and book launches. The move is supported by a fundraising campaign designed to staff the organization and expand its educational programming.
The organization has raised more than $300,000 toward its $1 million three-year fundraising campaign goal. This expansion provides 50% more space for youth programs that serve between 100 and 135 Maine communities annually.
The players
Kristina Powell
Kristina Powell serves as the Executive Director of The Telling Room.
Nick Whiston
Nick Whiston works as the Program Coordinator for The Telling Room.
The Telling Room
The Telling Room is a Portland-based literary nonprofit that provides writing workshops for students aged 6-18.
The details
Executive Director Kristina Powell and Program Coordinator Nick Whiston oversaw the transition to the larger, more accessible space on Washington Avenue. Founded in 2004, the group supports young writers through various workshops and award-winning initiatives.
Timeline
The Telling Room was founded in 2004.
The organization received the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award in 2015.
The nonprofit completed its move to Washington Avenue in September 2026.
The Grow.Write.Now. fundraising campaign spans a three-year period.
Market Landscape
The move to the Washington Avenue facility follows a trajectory of growth established after the organization received the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award in 2015. This expansion reinforces the organization’s position as a regional leader in youth literacy education.
Local families with students aged 6-18 can now access expanded writing workshops and community events in a larger space. Supporters can contribute to the ongoing Grow.Write.Now. campaign to sustain these newly accessible educational resources.
The takeaway
The Telling Room is leveraging its new facility to broaden its community footprint across Maine. Residents are encouraged to monitor the organization’s website for upcoming book launches and author readings hosted at the new site.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to support youth education in Portland Philanthropy.
More information
View the Telling Room information and campaign portal to see current program schedules and donation options.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Portland Press Herald.
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