TOWN-BASED RESOURCES

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Bangor Resources

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OHI - A well-established nonprofit organization in Bangor that has been serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and mental health needs for over four decades. Their services are wide-ranging, designed to help individuals live more independently and with greater inclusion in the community. OHI offers residential care, case management, and home- and community-based waiver programs, all tailored to the unique needs of each participant. They also provide skills development programs, helping people build practical abilities for daily living, social engagement, and employment readiness. A key feature of OHI’s work is the Eagle’s Nest Clubhouse, a peer-driven program that supports people living with mental illness through social, educational, and vocational opportunities. Their commitment to person-centered planning ensures that individuals have a strong voice in their own care and life decisions.

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Amicus - A nonprofit that provides a diverse range of disability services, designed to promote independence, skill development, and quality of life. Their programs are community-centered and include the Center for Learning, where participants can build academic, life, and social skills in a supportive environment. Amicus also runs Community Life programs, which connect individuals to recreational, social, and volunteer opportunities in the Bangor area. For those seeking employment, the Phoenix Pathways to Employment program helps people prepare for, obtain, and maintain meaningful work experiences. Amicus also provides adaptive equipment loans, case management services, and housing supports, ensuring that participants have access to resources that make daily living more accessible. Their programs emphasize inclusion and empowerment, offering individualized plans to meet each person’s goals.

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U-CAN Inc. - A community-focused nonprofit serving individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities in the Bangor-Brewer region. Their mission is rooted in dignity, respect, and fostering independence for the people they support. U-CAN’s services are especially geared toward daily living assistance, helping clients with errands, appointments, and the activities of daily life that many may struggle with on their own. By offering this personalized support, U-CAN helps individuals remain active and independent within their own communities, rather than being isolated or overly dependent on institutional settings. Their approach emphasizes building trusting relationships with clients, enabling them to live more comfortably and confidently in their homes and neighborhoods. For families, U-CAN provides reassurance that their loved ones are supported with care and respect.

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MERT Enterprises - MERT Enterprises has been serving the Greater Bangor area since 1970, with a focus on supporting adults with intellectual disabilities and autism. Their services are primarily home- and community-based, designed to promote inclusion, skill development, and personal growth. MERT offers programs that help individuals navigate independent living while also connecting them to community opportunities. By emphasizing person-centered planning, MERT ensures that each client’s strengths, preferences, and goals guide their services. Their staff work closely with individuals to build self-reliance, whether through developing life skills, fostering social connections, or supporting employment opportunities. MERT’s longstanding presence in the Bangor area demonstrates a deep commitment to building inclusive communities where people with disabilities can thrive as active and valued members.

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Lewiston/Auburn Resources

 

NorthEast Residential Services - Provides personalized in-home care for adults with disabilities in Lewiston (and Auburn), aiming to enhance quality of life through thoughtfully tailored support plans. They work closely with individuals, guardians, case managers, and other providers to develop comprehensive care strategies. Services include daily living assistance, adaptive equipment, specialized day programs, and therapies designed to foster independence and dignity within a community setting. Their approach emphasizes safe, respectful environments and community integration. Eligibility requires an intellectual disability diagnosis and intake through Maine’s DHHS Office of Aging and Disability Services.

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AZEL Residential Care LLC - Located at 500 Canal Street in Lewiston, AZEL Residential Care LLC delivers home- and community-based services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their person-centered approach includes initial assessments, behavior plans, ongoing training, and periodic re-evaluation to ensure supports evolve with each individual’s needs. AZEL emphasizes promoting independence, wellness, and long-term development in a respectful and nurturing environment.

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Dirigo Support Professionals - Specializes in empowering adults with intellectual disabilities or autism across Lewiston and Androscoggin County. Their broad offerings include in-home supports for daily living skills (like grooming, budgeting, meal prep), social and interpersonal development, community engagement, safety training, transportation skills, and pathways to integrated employment. Their services are personalized, respect autonomy, and support independence at every level. They serve individuals eligible through Maine’s OADS (including those on Section 21/29 waivers) and operate from their Lewiston office at Lisbon Street.

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Minds For Health - Primarily serves children and youth up to age 21 with intellectual/developmental disabilities or mental health needs. Their offerings include targeted case management, community integration services, rehabilitative community support, and outpatient counseling. These services are provided in-home or within the community and are designed to foster cognitive, social, and functional development, all within a framework of respect, integrity, compassion, and collaboration. They work in partnership with Maine’s Office of Child and Family Services as well.

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Living Innovations - Offers services for both children and adults with developmental disabilities or mental health challenges in the greater Lewiston–Auburn area. They deliver home and community support, including organizing living arrangements through host families, roommates, or companions, and providing respite services to give caregivers a break. Their flexible, person-specific approach adapts to individual needs and is supported through the Maine Department of Behavioral & Developmental Services.

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Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired - The Maine DBVI, with an office in Lewiston, offers comprehensive services to people of all ages with severe visual impairments. Their services include individual counseling, vocational assessment and job placement, orientation and mobility training, independent living services, and issuance of ID cards. All services are provided at no charge, though there may be a small fee for ID cards. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with accommodations available as needed.

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Spurwink (Androscoggin County Residential Services) - Provides residential care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through group homes and shared living arrangements. In Androscoggin County, they operate group homes staffed by therapeutic couples who often reside long-term with residents—providing consistency and stability. They also run a 12-bed intermediate care/nursing facility in Lewiston for those needing more intensive support, along with a facility in Parsonsfield. Their services cover daily living tasks like cooking, shopping, and household routines, all focused on fostering comfortable, structured environments that support residents’ growth.

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SeniorsPlus (Western Maine, including Lewiston–Auburn) - SeniorsPlus, the designated Area Agency on Aging for Western Maine (including Androscoggin County), serves older adults and adults with disabilities. While not Lewiston-specific, their services are highly relevant—providing care coordination, referrals, education programs, fiscal intermediary services (helping clients hire caregivers, including family members), nutrition support (Meals on Wheels, social dining), and specialized services like home modifications, assistive technology, respite care, and emergency response systems. Their mission supports informed, independent, and enriched living.

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Spectrum Generations (Central Maine ADRC, serving Lewiston–Auburn) - Central Maine’s Area Agency on Aging and Disability Resource Center. For older adults and those with disabilities, they offer health promotion, nutrition, lifelong learning, community engagement, caregiving support, personal services, and case management. They also provide services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, including community case management and support to help individuals engage meaningfully in their community.

 

 

Portland Resources

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Alpha One - Alpha One, headquartered at 115 Thames Street in Portland, is Maine’s only Center for Independent Living and a central hub for disability services. The organization provides a wide range of supports designed to help people with disabilities live more independently and fully within their communities. Services include adaptive driving evaluations, equipment loans, accessibility consulting, and assistance in securing home modifications such as ramps. Alpha One also connects people with personal care attendants, caregiver support, and peer mentoring. By offering both practical tools and advocacy, Alpha One works to break down barriers and empower people with disabilities to make their own choices about how and where they live.

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Disability Rights Maine (DRM) - Maintains an office presence in Portland and offers statewide advocacy that directly benefits city residents. DRM is the designated protection and advocacy agency for Maine, ensuring that individuals with disabilities are able to access their legal rights and challenge discrimination. Services include legal representation, advocacy for education and employment rights, and training for self-advocacy. For Portland residents, DRM provides a trusted place to turn when facing issues with housing, benefits, education, or accessibility. Its presence in the city makes it easier for individuals to connect with advocates and secure the support they need to navigate complex systems.

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Pine Tree Legal Assistance (PTLA) - A nonprofit law firm that offers free civil legal services to low-income individuals, including those with disabilities. PTLA’s work in Portland includes representing clients in cases related to housing discrimination, access to public benefits, and protection against unlawful evictions—issues that disproportionately affect people with disabilities. The organization also provides self-help resources and guidance for individuals navigating legal systems without representation. By addressing both systemic issues and individual cases, PTLA plays a vital role in protecting the rights and stability of Portland residents with disabilities, ensuring they are not excluded from essential services or housing opportunities.

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Social Security Disability (Disability Determination Services) - Portland is home to Maine’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) office, located at One Portland Square. This office processes applications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, making medical eligibility decisions for federal disability programs. While applications are filed through the Social Security Administration, the Portland DDS office reviews medical records, consults with doctors, and makes determinations about whether applicants meet federal disability criteria. For residents of Portland and beyond, this local office is a critical link in securing income and healthcare benefits for those unable to work due to disability, offering direct access to staff who evaluate claims.

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Greater Portland METRO Accessible Public Transportation - Greater Portland METRO, the city’s public transit system, provides accessible transportation options that are crucial for people with disabilities in Portland. All buses in the fleet are equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps and designated seating areas for mobility devices, ensuring that riders with physical disabilities can travel independently. In addition, METRO offers reduced fare programs for individuals with disabilities and coordinates with regional paratransit services for those who cannot use fixed-route buses. For many Portland residents with disabilities, this accessible transit system makes it possible to commute to work, attend appointments, and participate in community life without relying solely on personal vehicles or costly private transport.

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