Ukandu Will Open New Portland Community Center
The nonprofit will launch a 22,000-square-foot space in Lair Hill to support children with cancer.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Do you believe non-profits in your area should prioritize year-round community centers over event-based programs?
On October 21, 2026, the nonprofit organization Ukandu will open a new year-round community center called The Loft in the Lair Hill neighborhood of South Portland. This facility aims to expand the group's reach beyond its traditional week-long summer camps.
Why it matters
The new center marks a significant evolution for the organization as it shifts to providing consistent, year-round resources for families. By offering a dedicated physical space, the nonprofit aims to improve accessibility to ongoing support programs.
The new facility spans 22,000 square feet and will offer free mental health counseling, support groups, and workshops. This expansion builds on the foundation established in 1986, when the organization first began its summer camp operations.
The players
Ukandu
This nonprofit organization has provided recreational camps for children with cancer since 1986.
Jason Hickox
He serves as the CEO of the organization and has been involved with the nonprofit since starting as a volunteer counselor in 1988.
The details
The Loft features a two-story climbing wall, an arts room, and a caregiver lounge to serve children with cancer and their families. Programming at the site includes scheduled workshops on financial literacy and cooking alongside therapeutic support services.
Timeline
Ukandu began offering week-long summer camps in 1986.
Jason Hickox began his tenure as a volunteer camp counselor in 1988.
The family coastal camp program was launched in 2022.
The Loft community center is scheduled to open on October 21, 2026.
Market Landscape
The move toward permanent community infrastructure mirrors a broader industry shift where nonprofits are prioritizing consistent, year-round support over traditional seasonal programs. This strategic expansion allows the organization to compete for donor and volunteer engagement by offering year-long utility.
Local families affected by cancer will have access to free mental health counseling and educational workshops in a permanent neighborhood setting. The inclusion of a caregiver lounge and specialized activity rooms provides a new resource for residents in the South Portland area.
The takeaway
This new center provides a centralized hub for families to access therapeutic and educational support throughout the entire year. Residents can look forward to utilizing these expanded resources to enhance their daily support systems beyond the traditional summer camp model.
What happens next
The Loft is officially scheduled to open its doors to the public on October 21, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts by visiting the Portland Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Opb.
Live Poll
Do you believe non-profits in your area should prioritize year-round community centers over event-based programs?
