Residential Services for People with
Intellectual Disabilities and Autism
At Creative Works, we are dedicated to offering many different choices of residential care because we believe that creating communities of inclusion begins at home. As one of the largest residential providers in the state of Maine, Creative Works provides a range of indispensable services that are uniquely designed to meet the diverse needs of adults with intellectual disabilities as well as those on the autism spectrum.
Our services range from our comprehensive, home-based 24/7 Residential Care program to a few hours of individualized supports per week through our Intermittent Home Supports program. Additionally, our popular Shared Living program offers an option of care where participants are thoughtfully matched with a family who open up their personal residence to provide care.
Every day, across southern and central Maine, adults with disabilities are living lives full of choice, challenges and fulfillment with the support our incredible teams of highly skilled Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). Whether a person needs assistance with their typical daily routines or support through the big moments that define their lives, our staff is dedicated to cultivating care that is natural, collaborative and personal.
In each area of support, care is guided by the state-authorized Person Centered Plan (PCP), which is collaboratively developed by participants served and the important people in their lives (family members, care coordinators, physicians, and support staff). Our care is always designed with every consideration for the evolving needs and both the therapeutic and personal goals of the people we support.
In all of our programs, our staff provide personalized supports including:
Fostering personal relationships and community connections
Encouraging self-advocacy and self-expression
Discovering hobbies and exploring spiritual beliefs
Activities of daily living
Medication management and appointment coordination
Behavior supports
Developing healthy eating habits and physical well-being
Personal hygiene support
Preparing for work
Transportation assistance
Household management
24/7 Residential Care
Creative Works provides full-time, round-the-clock care in a growing number of residences that enable adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism to create not just places to live, but their very own homes. Every day, 120 participants in 35 residential programs throughout southern and central Maine are empowered by staff to accomplish both their daily routines and long-term goals.
We are dedicated to creating places for people to live that are genuinely homey, safe and inclusive. Located in quiet neighborhoods, our residences are comfortable and spacious with all the makings of a true home: family-style kitchens, private bedrooms, inviting living rooms and accessible outdoor spaces. Participants are encouraged to style and decorate their spaces to their tastes, and many staff truly enjoy assisting with seasonal displays, raised gardens, and employing green initiatives.
Participants are matched with two or three housemates who share similar passions, and many people develop lasting personal connections that span their lifetimes. Together, they form a familial environment where staff provide care that encourages independence, teamwork and community choice.
Shared Living
Since its inception, Creative Works has pioneered supports guided by a strong focus: community inclusion. Available widely across the state, our Shared Living option, which has grown in five years to serve over 100 adults with disabilities, provides a choice of support that is truly inclusive. Participants are matched with a Shared Living Provider (either an individual or a family) who not only welcomes them into their home, but who is dedicated to developing a familial environment where the person supported can thrive, create a home life of their choosing and cultivate lasting relationships.
We recognize that a Shared Living arrangement is a big commitment for both individuals and providers, which is why we use a personalized matching process to ensure long-term placement. We collaborate with each individual and, guided by their geographic and personal preferences, we provide the tools necessary for establishing and maintaining a natural support system and access to local resources.
Creative Works offers a network of guidance to Shared Living Providers through regional group meetings, ongoing trainings and monthly check-ins. For both individuals served and the individuals providing care, Creative Works is dedicated to making Shared Living a great choice!
For more information, contact:
Debbie Drinkwater
Director of Shared Living Services
207-795-6737
ddrinkw@beingcreativeworks.org
Intermittent Home Supports
The Creative Works Intermittent Home Supports program offers a flexible approach to services where individuals receive direct one-to-one support in their preferred, most natural environments: their own homes and communities. Also known as Independent Living, our Intermittent Home Supports program enables individuals to develop a schedule of support ranging from a couple hours to a maximum of 84 hours per week.
An excellent choice for those with an existing natural support system, our staff add an extra layer of care that equips individuals, regardless of their level of need, to be fully engaged with and involved in their communities. Whether an individual needs help with accessing public transportation, managing medical appointments, finances, outings, or cooking a meal at home, our staff are available to provide the support that is needed.
We know that belonging is a fundamental need that we all share. With each experience and every service we deliver, our Residential programs strive to reflect our core mission of creating inclusive home communities. In addition to our home support services, we offer Community Case Management for individuals seeking assistance with managing care.
Questions? Visit our FAQ page for information on how to access services and more. Visit our Trainings page for a complete list of required certifications for all Creative Works DSPs.
We are happy to provide tours! For more information, contact:
Southern Maine
Kevin Bolduc
Regional Director of Residential Services
207-879-1140
kbolduc@beingcreativeworks.org
Central Maine
Chris Monagle
Senior Director of Programs
207-879-1140
cmonagle@beingcreativeworks.org