LEAP awarded for 30 years of service

FARMINGTON – LEAP, Inc was honored and recognized by the Maine Legislature for providing 30 years of excellence and service in central and western Maine during an anniversary celebration held this week at University of Maine at Farmington campus.

State Representatives Leila Percy of Phippsburg and Tom Saviello of Wilton jointly presented LEAP Executive Director Rick Dorian and Board of Directors President Sherry Walrath with the state proclamation.

Saviello remarked that his contact with LEAP staff and programs had taught him greater sensitivity and better skills for interacting respectfully with people with disabilities. “The best advice I was given was simply to be myself,” he said. Saviello who has publicly pledged to stop using the “r” word, has also become an advocate for people-first language that focuses on individuals and not their disabilities.

The LEAP anniversary celebration featured a social hour with DJ services provided by Lorrie Chicoine; a buffet dinner and music and dancing with Leila Percy and her swing band.  The event was attended by LEAP consumers, their family members, staff members, volunteers and present and past board members.

LEAP, Inc. is a private non-profit agency that serves people with cognitive and intellectual disabilities in Franklin, Somerset, Oxford and Androscoggin counties through a variety of home and residential supports in the community. LEAP supports people in small community homes, their own apartments, those living with their families, and also in a small respite program, which is partially supported through Tri-Valley United Way designations. LEAP’s mission is to support people with disabilities to lead joyful lives with dignity, independence and autonomy through offering local supports that nourish relationships and help people to be close to their families and friends.

For more information about LEAP or its services please contact Rick Dorian, LEAP Executive Director at 778-3443 ext. 104 or by e-mail: rick@leapcommunity.org.