PENOBSCOT COUNTY RESOURCES

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General Resources​

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The Eastern Area Agency on Aging (EAAA) - The lead resource for older adults and people with disabilities in Penobscot County. Through its Aging and Disability Resource Center, it provides direct support such as options counseling, Medicare and health insurance assistance, caregiver education, nutrition services like Meals on Wheels, and referrals to long-term care programs. By serving as a central entry point, EAAA helps individuals and families navigate complex health and social service systems while promoting independence and stability.

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Penquis - The region’s community action agency, delivers behavioral health and disability support services, including several assisted living options. Facilities such as Freeses in Bangor, Merry Gardens Estates, and Stearns in Millinocket offer residents structured housing with meals, social activities, and support staff. These programs allow individuals with disabilities and older adults to live in safe, supportive environments tailored to varying levels of need.

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Thrive Penobscot - Functions as a collaborative of health providers, nonprofits, and local agencies working together to help residents with disabilities and chronic health conditions remain independent. The initiative tackles barriers such as transportation shortages, food insecurity, caregiver burnout, and lack of access to legal or financial services. It is especially active in rural areas like the Katahdin region, where isolation often limits access to traditional supports.

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Penobscot County Cares (PCC) - For people experiencing housing instability or homelessness, PCC addresses the critical need for communication access. By providing free public phones and distributing cell phones, PCC ensures that individuals can maintain contact with case managers, health providers, and essential services. This program fills a vital gap for residents who might otherwise be cut off from the support systems they need.

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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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