Association celebrates program expansion
PRESQUE ISLE — The Central Aroostook Association board of directors, administration, and staff are celebrating the completion of a construction and renovation project to the facility to benefit one of its largest programs.
Staff photo/Paula Brewer
ENJOYING NEW FACILITY — Pam Powers, left, director of adult services at Central Aroostook Association, stops to chat with clients Jamie Taylor, center, and Kevin Stubbs at the association’s adult day program building, as Stubbs demonstrates his electronic communication device. 
Renovations were recently completed at the Presque Isle facility to provide more space for services.
The Adult Day Services Program for individuals having intellectual disabilities has moved to a freshly designed space, which is now open for services.
According to Allen Deeves, the association’s director of community programs, the building was originally built as a garage, but as needs and programs evolved officials saw the need for an expanded site. Now newly renovated, the building now houses day services for adults.
Central Aroostook Association has evolved into eight programs and employs 150 staff throughout central Aroostook County, Deeves said.
After stabilizing through growth and retention over recent years, Executive Director Steve Richard and Adult Services Director Pam Powers conducted an assessment and soon thereafter entered planning mode to create more usable space for services.
“The effort has nearly doubled usable space and has improved the scope and efficiency of care including day room, audio and video technology, private medication room, physical/occupational therapy room, large activity areas, and deck,” Richard explained.
“It’s common to hear of the term ‘quality’ in the service delivery world these days,” Powers stated. “We have been a longtime regional leader in providing a variety of person-centered service through the years, and we’re confident this investment will exceed expectations of the individuals who attend our program.”
In addition to the program expansion, Central Aroostook Association also built a storage facility to house vehicles and equipment.
Located on Lombard Street in Presque Isle, the 30-acre facility has been home to Central Aroostook Association since 1967 following a government subsidy to provide opportunities to individuals diagnosed with physical and developmental disabilities.
