Mayhew youth program presents to Laconia council; seeks local volunteers and support

At the May 27 council meeting, Peter Saliba, executive director of Mayhew, and outreach worker Michael Lou briefed the Laconia City Council on Mayhew’s camp-based mentoring program for at‑risk boys and asked the council to spread the word and consider volunteer or sponsorship support.

Saliba said Mayhew has served 274 families from the Lakes Region and 29 families from Laconia; the program currently has 13 enrolled boys from the area and expects three more this year. He described Mayhew’s model as a three-week summer-camp immersion followed by year-round outreach from the same staff, and summed the organization’s mission in a line repeated for the council: "Mayhew believes in boys before they believe in themselves."

Saliba told the council Mayhew does not receive local, county or state operating funds; the program’s annual operating budget is about $1.7 million, with roughly 15 full‑time equivalent staff and additional seasonal employees. He said the program is free to families and that Mayhew will provide clothing or supplies for children who arrive with nothing. Michael Lou described outreach visits during the school year and said counselors and school staff are the primary referral source.

Councilor Fauci, who visited the camp, praised the program and recommended that other councilors visit. Saliba invited councilors and residents to volunteer, visit the camp on Newfound Lake and consider corporate sponsorships to support Mayhew’s work.

No council action was required; the presentation was informational and the council thanked the presenters.