Community Living Association

Community Living Association 18 Military Street, Houlton, Maine 04730
(207) 532-9446 A BRIEF HISTORY...

CLA has a long history in the Houlton Community.

In 1967 a small group of educators and parents of people with developmental disabilities organized a training program in a church basement, funded with money raised in the community. Initially, this private, non-profit organization was incorporated as the Southern Aroostook Association for Retarded Children (SAARC). In the mid-1970’s the New Horizons Preschool was opened. The group changed its name to the Southern Aroostook Association for Retarded Citizens to reflect the emphasis on services for all people, regardless of age. The Houlton Residential Center (HRC) was established in 1977. This nursing care facility provided a home for 35 individuals with mental retardation. As SAARC entered the 1980’s a nationwide change in philosophy recognized that individuals with disabilities deserve to live in small home-like environments in their local communities, rather than large, isolated institutions. HRC began the process of downsizing. The Park Street and High Street Homes were opened in order to offer people smaller homes. Years of planning led to the closure of HRC in 1991. The HRC residents were moved into two new nursing facilities and another small home on Fifth Street. At this time SAARC changed its name to Community Living Association to express the goal of supporting individuals who live and work in the community. Since 1991 CLA has opened waiver (adult foster care) homes on Bangor Road, Green Street, Ruth Road and 2 on Joseph Street in order to continue working toward the goal of allowing people to live in small, comfortable homes. While the residential services were expanded and changed throughout the years, the day program and work programs were also being transformed. In the 1970’s these programs were housed in the Old Longfellow School building. However, the old building had many problems and in 1989 the new Roger Randall Center for Developmental Services was built alongside the old school building. Today people from CLA’s residences, people from their family homes in the community and people from independently operated adult foster homes meet at Roger Randall Center to receive training and supported employment services. Other work and training programs have evolved in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Since 1967 CLA has grown from a small nonprofit group employing one person to the second largest employer in the town of Houlton. The number of people with developmental disabilities served by the association has also grown. Although CLA’s fundamental mission has always been to provide services to people with developmental disabilities, it’s mission statement today has a special focus on community inclusion.

With MACSP – CLA just made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers! 🎉
04/08/2026

With MACSP – CLA just made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers! 🎉

04/01/2026

LD 1932, the Speaker's Direct Care Worker bill containing COLAs is on the House Calendar tomorrow! Please take a minute to thank members of the Health and Human Services Committee and Speaker Ryan Fecteau for their critical support of this important bill. COLAs can't wait! Maine's Essential Care & Support Workforce Partnership

Team CLA White Wolves had an amazing time in Orono, playing their hearts out and bringing home the 🏅bronze medal!!We wou...
03/31/2026

Team CLA White Wolves had an amazing time in Orono, playing their hearts out and bringing home the 🏅bronze medal!!

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Machias Bank for the snack bags prepared for each of athletes-they were truly appreciated. We are also grateful to the Houlton Fire Department and everyone who came out to give us such a wonderful send-off!!

A special thank you to 3Rivers from Island Falls and Patten for making the trip to Bangor to cheer on Tom and the Team-your support meant so much!!

Finally, we couldn't attend the Orono games without our incredible Unified Partners, who have been playing alongside our athletes for over 3 years. A heartfelt thank you to Allie and Seth Tapley, Troy Hipsley, and Dylan Jursan for your dedication and teamwork!!

We are so proud of our team!!

Way to go White Wolves! Bringing home the Bronze Medal.
03/30/2026

Way to go White Wolves! Bringing home the Bronze Medal.

The White Wolves from Houlton, brought home the Bronze Medal for Unified's Division 2 at the Regional Tournament this weekend in Orono. Well done Athletes. Community Living Association

CLA is hiring! Looking for something new and rewarding? See CLA's website and navigate to the Careers page to view all...
03/30/2026

CLA is hiring! Looking for something new and rewarding? See CLA's website and navigate to the Careers page to view all of our open positions.

https://clamaine.org/careers/

Supporting people with disabilities to be independent, self-confident and participate fully as valued members of the community – helping people lead full and happy lives.

03/26/2026
I’m incredibly proud to be a part of an agency such as MACSP . Many amazing people who go the distance advocating for th...
03/26/2026

I’m incredibly proud to be a part of an agency such as MACSP . Many amazing people who go the distance advocating for the people we serve as well as all of the wonderful DSP caregivers throughout the state. There was a huge turnout in Augusta today supporting the initiative to fund the COLA that has been promised to providers, but not funded. A long day for sure, but well worth it! Excellent job MACSP!

03/20/2026

Take Action: COLAs Must Be Restored in the Budget!Reach out today to ask your elected official to restore COLAs for direct care service rates in the supplemental budget.BACKGROUNDThe Appropriations Committee is likely to wrap up their work on...

☘️ How did YOU spend your St. Patrick’s Day? ☘️At Community Supports, we were busy doing what we do best—working hard an...
03/18/2026

☘️ How did YOU spend your St. Patrick’s Day? ☘️

At Community Supports, we were busy doing what we do best—working hard and celebrating even harder! 💚

Our day was filled with great vibes as DJ Katey had everyone up and moving to some awesome tunes (seriously…fantastic! 🎶), and we whipped up some deeeeelicious shamrock shakes that were a total hit ☘️🧋

Because let’s be real—life is meant to be enjoyed, and our crew knows how to make every moment count!

And since it’s IDD Awareness Month, we couldn’t think of a better reason to celebrate inclusion, joy, and the amazing individuals who make our community so special 💚🧡

Thanks to all who make this possible. We do have the best teams!!! Work hard. Play hard. Celebrate always. ☘️





Inclusion Day-March 2nd 2026 In support of IDD Awareness Month, CLA proudly kicked off the month by wearing orange to ce...
03/02/2026

Inclusion Day-March 2nd 2026

In support of IDD Awareness Month, CLA proudly kicked off the month by wearing orange to celebrate the strength, talent and voices of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

When we wear orange, we’re showing our community that inclusion isnt just a value-it’s an action. It’s a simple way to say: We see you. We support you. We celebrate you.

This month we honor the individuals with IDD who enrich our communities with their creativity, resilience and joy.

As an IDD service provider, CLA is committed to building a world where every person is valued and empowered.

Thank you for joining us in standing proud, speaking up and creating spaces where everyone belongs.




This Monday, March 2, CLA is leading the charge by celebrating Inclusion Day to kick off IDD (Intellectual and Developme...
02/27/2026

This Monday, March 2, CLA is leading the charge by celebrating Inclusion Day to kick off IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disability) Awareness Month!

Wear orange to show your support for the individuals who live and work in our community and to highlight the importance of inclusion in everything we do.

Wearing orange is more than a color — it’s a visible way to say that the people who CLA supports are valued, respected, and included.

Every person wearing orange helps spark conversations, raise awareness, and show that inclusion is a priority for our community.

Let’s stand together this Monday — bright, bold, and orange!
Thank you for all that you do to make inclusion possible. 🧡🧡🧡🧡




02/16/2026

Community Case Manager Opening:

Along with our DSP openings, CLA also has a Community Case Manager position for our Houlton Office.

Our Community Case Managers (CCM) use the Person-Centered Planning Process to develop supportive strategies to help meet the needs and interests of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With this process, the CCM will help to improve our clients’ physical, mental, social, and emotional health while enhancing their ability to live valued roles and participate fully in the community. The CCM will schedule regular visits and promote positive relations with consumers, family, guardians, and advocacy agencies. The CCM will maintain accurate and timely consumer records, progress notes, medical records, emergency information, and assessments.

This is a full-time position and comes with an excellent benefits package and a salary commensurate with experience.

Requirements:

Must be willing to travel throughout Aroostook County as required for client visits. Must have a bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services, or a relevant degree. Must have at least one year of work or other relevant experience with people with developmental disabilities. Must be able to pass a criminal and DHHS background check. The incumbent must have a valid Maine Driver’s license.

Please see CLA's website www.clamaine.org for a list of all positions, and to apply for the Community Case Manager position; please send a resume to: Shelli.lefay@clastaff.org

CLA is an equal opportunity employer

Address

45 School Street
Houlton, ME
04730

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

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