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.

We rang in the New Year at the CLA Community Supports programs with smiles, laughter, lunch and a festive champagne mock...
01/01/2026

We rang in the New Year at the CLA Community Supports programs with smiles, laughter, lunch and a festive champagne mocktail toast 🥂✨

Participants enjoyed celebrating together, reflecting on the year behind us, and looking ahead to new goals, opportunities, and adventures in 2026.

Moments like these remind us how meaningful community, connection, and shared joy truly are.

Thanks for the speech Dave !

Here’s to a year filled with growth, independence, and continued success—Happy New Year from all of us at CLA💙🎉


What brings more joy than receiving heartfelt Christmas cards from dear friends or savoring a festive holiday meal with ...
12/24/2025

What brings more joy than receiving heartfelt Christmas cards from dear friends or savoring a festive holiday meal with those who feel like family? 🎄☃️ The stockings overflowed with cheer, filled to the brim with inspiring Christmas cards.

A huge thank you to LP for generously sponsoring a mouth-watering Christmas lunch of prime rib, potatoes, carrots, and salad - a kind gesture that warmed our hearts. 🎅🏻

And kudos to Harmony for crafting a dessert that was truly the icing on the cake! Here's to spreading love, gratitude, and cheer this holiday season. Merry Christmas to all! 🎄☃️

Yesterday was a great day at CLA. Longevity Bonus checks were distributed throughout the day. We are grateful for all ...
12/19/2025

Yesterday was a great day at CLA. Longevity Bonus checks were distributed throughout the day. We are grateful for all our hardworking staff, from DSPs (the backbone of CLA) all the way through to housekeeping, and beyond. Every department and staff member is essential to CLA. Thank you for all that you do! We are happy to be able to distribute our 4th round of bonuses this 2025 calendar year!

Today all 4 of the Community Supports Programs got together & kicked off some team celebrations 🎄 🎄🎄 We shared some laug...
12/18/2025

Today all 4 of the Community Supports Programs got together & kicked off some team celebrations 🎄 🎄🎄

We shared some laughs, enjoyed some Chinese food together, opened presents and youuuuu guessed it !

$🙌$🙌$ BONUS CHECKS !!!! (Longevity appreciation-shout out to Executive Director Rob Moran and the Board) $🙌$🙌$

It’s not often that the teams from Roger Randall, Green Center, Cornerstone and Employment Services get together. In a rare and refreshing break from the usual pace, teams were able to get together to just sit and enjoy each other’s company. 💜

This experience underscored the value of regular team gatherings which is why today it was decided that going forward at least once a year at Christmas we will do just that.🎅🏻☃️🎅🏻☃️

Please enjoy some of the wonderful memories we made together today. And a huge shout out to the Cornerstone team for hosting. 🎄

Thank you CLA & Merry Christmas to All !!!

Missing from our celebration today-Lori, Lori & Eli. We missed you ! 🎄☃️❄️

Ive been lucky enough in my career to have some pretty great days at work( some not as much😁). Today was probably the be...
12/13/2025

Ive been lucky enough in my career to have some pretty great days at work( some not as much😁). Today was probably the best. I was able to present my daughter with a MACSP DSP award. Jillian is a compassionate, hard working DSP who is an amazing staff for us. She works wherever and whenever needed and I’m so very proud of her. Congratulations Jill!

12/12/2025

Kick off to our holidays at CLA 🎄☃️

Our teams enjoyed a meaningful afternoon caroling with clients, sharing hot chocolate and goodies to celebrate the holid...
12/12/2025

Our teams enjoyed a meaningful afternoon caroling with clients, sharing hot chocolate and goodies to celebrate the holiday season. ☃️❄️
We value these opportunities to connect, build community, and spread seasonal cheer.
Wishing all of our clients and teams a warm and joyful holiday season.🎄

This Thanksgiving, we extend our deepest gratitude to Jill Moran, honored as a MACSP Award-Winning DSP, for her outstand...
11/22/2025

This Thanksgiving, we extend our deepest gratitude to Jill Moran, honored as a MACSP Award-Winning DSP, for her outstanding service and dedication. Her work reflects our mission and strengthens our commitment to delivering high-quality HCBS supports. 💜

We are equally thankful for the families, friends, and partners who support our efforts throughout the year. Your continued trust empowers us to make a meaningful impact.

Thank you for joining us for our Thanksgiving celebration. 🦃🍁🍂🌾

Thankful for the “Thanksgiving Elves” that made our luncheons the most memorable, fun and delicious get togethers to kick off this holiday season. 🙏

From our CLA family to yours, warm wishes for a safe and happy Thanksgiving. 🍂🦃

Some of our great staff with their Christmas bonus checks today. Check days are always the best days. We get to thank al...
11/20/2025

Some of our great staff with their Christmas bonus checks today. Check days are always the best days. We get to thank all of our great staff with a little something extra! These guys have all been with us for a quite a long time. We’re lucky to have them. Thank you to all of the CLA staff! We appreciate all you do.

Another Community Supports Halloween 🎃Party in the books !!!! 🧛‍♀️Lots of laughs & some Spooktacular costumes ☠️Everyone...
10/31/2025

Another Community Supports Halloween 🎃Party in the books !!!! 🧛‍♀️Lots of laughs & some Spooktacular costumes ☠️Everyone BOOgied down 👻 with some ghoulishly good music 👹by Tim ! (Thanks Tim)

As always, Thanks to the CS crew for putting everything together 🙌💃

The crew from Forest Springs at the CLA Halloween party. A ninja and the cast of the Little Mermaid!
10/31/2025

The crew from Forest Springs at the CLA Halloween party. A ninja and the cast of the Little Mermaid!

Please come join us at 18 Military Street on October 30th from 4 to 7 for our trunk-or-treat!! 🎃
10/24/2025

Please come join us at 18 Military Street on October 30th from 4 to 7 for our trunk-or-treat!! 🎃

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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