On May 28, 2019, Stu Simon Director of Fund Development at Port Resources spoke to us about his organization. With headquarters on Gannett Dr in South Portland and a service area of Cumberland and York counties, over 400 individuals receive services annually. Port Resources empowers individuals with developmental, cognitive and behavioral health challenges to live meaningful and fulfilled lives in their communities.
The history of people with disabilities in Maine is filled with words that we no longer used today. In the early part of the 20th Century, the State of Maine purchased six farms in New Gloucester that become Pineland Farms. The purpose was to build the Maine School for the Feeble Minded on part of the land and farm the rest. The institution opened in 1908 to house people who were labeled “mentally deficient” or “retarded”. Over time, the name was changed to Pineland Center, and by the 1970s it was being emptied as people were placed in what was then a new residential model – group homes. By 1996 it was officially closed.
Port Resources opened with one group home in Portland in 1979. Today, they manage 20 group homes. They have expanded their mission to include an array of services including outpatient counseling, adult home and community-based services, foster care for people with developmental disabilities, a day program, elder care, and talk therapy for residents of nursing homes experiencing cognitive decline (dementia).
Their residential group homes are now being augmented by foster care where individuals are placed with families to create a home environment. In addition, some individuals are placed in their AIM program which provides an independent living situation with ongoing support.
Samantha Piro, a member of Port Resources’ Board of Directors spoke about why she volunteers. She has a younger sister with Asperger’s. Sam has seen first-hand the challenges families face to find services that can help their loved one live as independently as possible.
Funding comes from a variety of sources like Maine Care, grants, and fundraisers like their fall auction. Thanks to generous donors, Port Resources is able to provide activities like arts programs and group trips to ball games to enrich lives. Fundraising also provides funds needed to maintain their properties.
To learn more about Port Resources, to volunteer or to donate, visit their website https://www.portresources.org/