LEAP is a nonprofit agency that provides residential and community support for people with cognitive & intellectual disabilities in western and central Maine. LEAP was originally founded in 1980 as the Western Maine Association for Retarded Citizens with a particular focus on developing high quality, small community programs for people with developmental disabilities. LEAP has grown from one program in 1980 serving 6 people, to 13 different programs serving over 70 individuals and their families in a variety of small and individualized community settings. LEAP has continued to provide a series of family and community supports in conjunction with our other services.At Life Enrichment Advancing People (LEAP), our mission centers on empowering people of all abilities to lead lives with dignity, independence and autonomy by providing comprehensive and individualized supports. Our foundational principle is to provide services that encourage well being, self expression and experiences of joy.We carry out our mission by focusing on three main areas for support: maintaining optimum health, expanding communication options, and having many experiences of joy. This is done through emphasizing healthy lifestyles and autonomy, and providing opportunities for community participation.LEAP supports people in small groups, individualized apartments, in various community supports, and through a small community respite program. We adopt an individualized and holistic approach to tailor our services to each person and family's goals and expectations."We believe in the worth and dignity of all people. We promote experiences of joy, wellness, and personal growth."