LEAP is a private nonprofit organization devoted to enabling individuals with developmental, cognitive and intellectual disabilities to thrive in small groups, and individualized apartments or homes, and through a variety of community supports.

Our Mission Statement:
Life Enrichment Advancing People (LEAP), exists for the following purpose: To empower people with disabilities to lead joyful lives with dignity, independence, and autonomy by providing comprehensive and individualized supports. The fundamental operating principle followed by LEAP in providing services is to strive for each individual’s fulfillment of:
*Physical Well Being * Self Expression *Experiences of Joy

For more information, please enjoy the videos and text below.

This video is courtesy of WCSH6 in Portland.

Our organization prides itself in providing holistic individualized plans for the people we serve. A customized approach ensures each individual is receiving the best care based on their unique personality, interests, abilities and needs.

Over the years, LEAP has instituted a number of programs encouraging involvement, fun and health for the more than 75 people we serve and our almost 200 employees. We work with individuals from 18 through the end of life with a deep belief that once someone joins our organization they are forever a part of it.

We are also committed to going into our surrounding communities and local schools to educate about cognitive and developmental disabilities, share national success stories, and describe the services we provide locally to encourage acceptance, understanding and empathy.

“At LEAP, our message is our people.”

—LEAP Executive Director, Darryl Wood

Our Roots

LEAP’s rich history began in 1980 when care for people with disabilities and the public’s tolerance and understanding were less advanced. Dissatisfied with the nearest facility for people with developmental and cognitive disabilities at the time, a group of dedicated community members joined together and worked tirelessly to establish an alternative to improve the standards of care.

LEAP’s inception was a monumental event for disabled individuals in Western Maine. After 40+ years of growth and transformation, the historical philosophy and values upon which LEAP was founded are still present.

Here, Tom Saviello interviews our executive director, Darryl Wood, in March 2014.

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Please take a few minutes to enjoy and share this video from March 2017 to learn more about LEAP’s community impact, and the significant challenges that care providers across Maine are facing.  Our executive director, Darryl Wood, sits down with host Tom Saviello for an in-depth look at the current statewide DSP staffing crisis, LEAP’s supportive work in western Maine communities, and the extraordinary people who work here in service to others.


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