I’ve never heard of Port Resources. What should I know about your organization?

Port Resources is a non-profit social services organization that supports individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, and behavioral health challenges to live full and meaningful lives in their communities. We provide many services: Residential, AIM / Independent Living, Day Program, Outpatient Counseling, Med Management, Shared Living, and Professional Development Services. Residentially, we support individuals in group homes with 24-hour per day staffing, in independent apartments, as well as in Shared Living models. Port Resources provides day program services for elderly adults where they spend time engaging in activities and community outings. Outpatient mental health services offer psychiatric, psychological, individual, and family counseling services though currently on waitlist. Our professional development services offer a full spectrum of training and certification programs available to direct support professionals and human service workers. Port Resources is person-centered and driven. We have a rich and diverse workforce and value a culture of openness, inclusion, respect and belonging.

When was Port Resources founded and why?

Port Resources was incorporated in December 1979 and opened its first group home in July 1980. The organization was established by a group of community members, as part of the movement to de-institutionalize individuals with development disabilities residing at Pineland Center (Maine’s state institution that closed permanently in 1996). The State of Maine is one of only a handful of states to no longer have a state institution, affirming Maine’s core value that all individuals of this state, regardless of disability, deserve the right to be part of their own communities. Port Resources embraces this core value and continues to evolve its services as we learn better ways to support individuals to live their best, most independent and self-directed as lives possible.

What are the biggest challenges facing those you serve?

There are many challenges faced by those receiving services: the lack of natural supports, finding suitable employment opportunities, finding adequate and quality medical and dental services, community acceptance, inadequate and unstable service funding, transportation, and high staff turnover. In recent years, the COVID pandemic and the workforce shortage crisis have brought additional challenges for individuals served.

What is the biggest challenge your agency faces in the immediate future?

Our biggest challenge is the workforce shortage crisis which impacts every aspect of our business. This is exacerbated by low wages, which is directly tied to our rate of reimbursement (which is set by the State), which is too low and has not kept pace with rising costs of living. If we are interested in services, training, or employment opportunities, what do we do? If you would like more information about any of our client services, employment opportunities, and/or training programs, or have other questions, please call our main office at 207-848-0048 and you will be directed to the appropriate person.