HANCOCK COUNTY RESOURCES
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Eastern Area Agency on Aging (EAAA) - Acts as the Aging & Disability Resource Center for Hancock County. From its base in Brewer, it connects residents to services such as options counseling, Medicare and health insurance guidance, caregiver education, legal support, nutrition programs, and adult day care. EAAA serves as the central access point for older adults, people with disabilities, and their families seeking help with both immediate needs and long-term planning.
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Meals on Wheels - Operates in Hancock County, providing nutritious pre-cooked meals to homebound older adults and people with disabilities who are unable to shop or cook safely. Participants typically receive seven meals delivered weekly or bi-weekly, with the option of local pickup. The service is donation-based, ensuring access regardless of income while also offering wellness checks during deliveries.
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Habitat for Humanity of Hancock County - Runs an Aging in Place Housing Plus program, which combines home repair and accessibility modifications with supportive services. The program is designed to keep seniors and individuals with disabilities living safely and independently in their homes. Improvements often include ramps, grab bars, and other adaptive modifications that reduce risks and improve mobility.
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Community Aging in Place Grants - Homeowners in Hancock County may also qualify for the grants, which provide financial support for accessibility improvements. These grants are available to individuals over 55 or people with disabilities who meet income guidelines and own their homes. Administered locally by Habitat for Humanity, they help residents remain in familiar, supportive living environments.
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Ellsworth Resources​
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Downeast Adaptive Youth Recreation - Champions inclusive, unified recreational opportunities for children with disabilities. Starting with a Special Olympics basketball team, this organization now offers adaptive sports, arts, music, and theater activities. They also provide scholarships and financial assistance to ensure access for families in need.
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KidsPeace Graham Lake Campus - Operates a 24/7 residential treatment facility for youth on the autism spectrum or with behavioral and developmental disabilities. Their multidisciplinary services include psychiatric care, behavioral therapies (like ABA/BCBA), speech, occupational, physical therapies, case management, and a family transition support team to plan for post-discharge success.
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Downeast Horizons - Provides a continuum of services spanning childhood through adulthood. They offer adult day programs, supported employment, independent living assistance, social skills training, and residential support—designed to help those with cognitive impairments and functional limitations reach their highest potential.
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Downeast Community Partners (Child and Family Opportunities) - Runs in Hancock and Washington counties and delivers a broad range of services beneficial to individuals with disabilities. Notably, they provide transportation for the elderly and handicapped, as well as low-income housing and energy assistance, helping support access and stability in daily life.
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The Ellsworth Free Clinic - Serves uninsured and underinsured adults (18+), offering primary care and coordinating mental health counseling through referrals. While not exclusively disability-focused, it provides essential healthcare and emotional support for those who might otherwise face barriers to access.
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Island Connections - A volunteer-driven nonprofit based in Bar Harbor that offers free, accessible transportation services to seniors and individuals with disabilities. Their wheelchair-accessible van provides rides to medical appointments (including dialysis and cancer treatment), pharmacy visits, grocery shopping, and Meals on Wheels deliveries—helping residents maintain independence across Mount Desert Island and nearby areas.
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The Bar Harbor Mount Desert Police Department - Runs the “Good Morning Program,” offering daily wellness check-ins by phone for older adults and those with disabilities living alone. If the individual doesn’t respond, an officer is sent for an in-person check to ensure their safety.
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Mount Desert Island Hospital - Maintains a behavioral health agency offering community-based mental health and behavioral health services. These include companion care, respite, supported employment, residential support, crisis intervention, day treatment, and more—providing broad mental health and supportive services for people with disabilities.
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The Bar Harbor Age-Friendly Committee - Actively works to enhance the town’s livability, particularly for older adults and those with mobility challenges. They’ve produced a widely distributed Age-Friendly Resource Guide and run volunteer programs like snow shoveling to support residents with limited mobility during winter months.
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Parish House (Part of Volunteer Organizations Assisting in New England) - Offers 24-hour supervised living in a stable, supportive environment right in downtown Bar Harbor. Services focus on enhancing independence and personal dignity.
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Harbor General Assistance (Welfare Program) - Provides confidential financial support for residents struggling to meet basic needs like housing, food, and utilities. Applications are managed through the Town Clerk’s office.
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