Supporting Your Family’s Journey
Making the transition from school-based services to adult programming is one of the biggest decisions families face. As an organization founded by parents for parents, we understand the hopes, concerns, and questions that come with this important step. You’re not alone in this journey.
What Families Are Asking
To help families evaluate whether Families Matter is the right fit, we offer a complimentary “free day” where your loved one can experience our programming firsthand. Families are welcome to attend, or the visit can include just the individual and their case manager. This trial helps everyone determine if our family-centered approach is the right fit.
“Is this the right place for my loved one?”
Every person who joins Families Matter becomes part of our extended family. We take time to understand your loved one’s unique personality, interests, and goals through our person-centered planning process. Our programming adapts to the individual, with personalized support plans that guide their journey with us.
“Will they be safe and cared for?”
Safety and genuine care are at the heart of everything we do. Our 3:1 staff-to-individual ratio provides significantly more personalized attention than state requirements (1:3) and industry standards (1:4). Many of our staff members have been with us for 15-20+ years, creating stability and deep relationships that foster true growth.
“Will they continue to grow and learn?”
Through community integration, life skills development, volunteer opportunities, and Special Olympics participation, individuals continue building independence and confidence. All activities are therapeutic and goal-based, designed through our person-centered planning process to help people reach their unique potential.
“What about socialization and friendships?”
Building authentic relationships is central to our approach. We create opportunities for peer interaction and help individuals develop communication skills, supporting them in forming lasting relationships both within our program and throughout the community. Many of our participants have maintained friendships for years or even decades.
Making the Transition from School to Adult Services
Why Families Choose Families Matter
When young adults transition from school-based services, families need a program that provides continuity of care, meaningful activities, and opportunities for lifelong growth and belonging. We serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to build independence, engage with their community, and develop meaningful relationships.
Understanding the Difference
The transition from school to adult services represents a significant shift from education-focused programming to person-centered adult support. Here are some key differences families should understand:
School-Based Services (Ages 3-21):
• Governed by IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), which guarantees a “free, appropriate public education”
• Focus on academic and functional achievement within an educational framework
• Services end when a student turns 22 or graduates from high school, whichever comes first
• Transition planning is required to begin by age 16
Adult Services (Age 18+):
• Shift from education-based goals to a broader perspective centered on fostering independence
• Person-centered approach that values the individual’s goals and preferences
• Focus on employment, independent living, community participation, and continuing education
• Wide array of options in terms of service providers, including home-based services and community-based programs
The Importance of Early Planning
The transition to adulthood can be overwhelming due to the abrupt change in services and benefits that come with turning 21. Waiting until the last year of high school to begin looking into adult services makes an already challenging process that much more daunting. At Families Matter, we work with families to provide seamless transition to adult programming, offering peace of mind that your loved one will continue to grow, learn, and thrive in a supportive environment.
How to Involve Families Matter in Your Transition Planning:
Step 1: Initial Contact and Tour: We typically work with case managers to arrange tours of our centers. During your visit, we’ll discuss program details, share our monthly activity calendar, and explain what sets us apart—including our funding of most activities, annual Funtown passes, seasonal dances, and enhanced Special Olympics experiences. We’ll also review flexible scheduling options (2-5 days per week) and transportation services within our jurisdiction.
Step 2: Verification and “Free Day” Experience: We’ll confirm your loved one has Section 21 or 29 waiver eligibility and arrange a complimentary “free day” where they can experience our programming firsthand. During this visit, we pair new participants with a mentor from our current members to ensure they feel welcomed and comfortable. This helps everyone—your family, our team, and current members—determine if it’s the right fit.
Step 3: Enrollment Process: If everyone agrees it’s a good match, we’ll work with your case manager to complete the necessary paperwork, including referral forms and Service and Individual Plan (SIP) documentation. State approval typically takes 7-14 days, after which we’ll contact you with a start date and welcome your loved one to the Families Matter family.
Starting early in this process—ideally during the junior year of high school—ensures a smooth transition and gives your family time to make informed decisions about your loved one’s future.
What Families Are Saying
“Families Matter is so incredibly important to me. It gives me a little bit of freedom time to myself, it gives my son a safe place to be. I can’t tell you how many times I walk into that program and always, always thank them for being there. I can’t imagine what our life would look like—his life and my life—would look like without them.”
— Parent of Augusta participant
“When Gabe graduated from high school, we didn’t know what we were going to do next… we looked at a lot of day programs. Families Matter is different and it’s special. When we walked through the door, the clients that were there came from loving families, and they were ready to go into the community, so we knew that was the spot for Gabe.”
— Client Guardian
How Families Stay Connected
Our Family-Centered Approach
Families Matter was created by parents for parents, and family partnership remains central to our approach. We understand that when we support individuals with disabilities, we’re supporting entire families and strengthening our broader community.
Regular Communication and Updates: Our Assistant Directors maintain hands-on relationships with families and guardians through regular phone calls and updates. We call to share the good moments—when your loved one achieves a goal, tries something new, or has a particularly great day—as well as to address any concerns that may arise. While we also use email for certain communications, we believe in the personal touch that comes from direct conversation.
Family Participation and Special Events: Families and guardians are warmly invited to participate in our special events throughout the year, including open houses, Special Olympics competitions, and our annual Christmas parties. We maintain a visitor’s log at each location, where individuals can request visits from family or friends. Our staff helps facilitate these connections by contacting the requested visitors and arranging visits that work for everyone’s schedule.
Person-Centered Planning Partnership: Families and guardians play a vital role in person-centered planning when invited by the individual they support. We respect each person’s choice about who attends their planning meetings, maintaining privacy and individual autonomy while ensuring those closest to them can contribute to goal setting and progress planning when appropriate.
Open Door Policy: Families and guardians are welcome to visit at any time. As part of our commitment to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) regulations, we accommodate visitor requests and strive to facilitate meaningful connections whenever possible. Our goal is to support the relationships that matter most to the individuals we serve.
Resources for Families
Maine Parent Federation (MPF)
Maine’s federally funded statewide family support organization providing information, referral, one-on-one telephone support, and training to parents of children with disabilities at no cost.
Website: www.mpf.org
Maine Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS)
Supports Maine’s older and disabled adults by providing Adult Protective, Brain Injury, Other Related Conditions, Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Long Term Care, and Aging and Community services.
Website: www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads
211 Maine
Free, confidential helpline connecting people to local resources including housing, emergency assistance, and support services for individuals with disabilities.
Phone: 2-1-1 | Website: www.211maine.org
Maine Disability Rights Center
Provides protection and advocacy services for people of all ages with developmental disabilities, offering direct advocacy assistance, information and referral, and training.
Website: www.drme.org
Maine CITE (Assistive Technology)
Government-funded project designed to help make assistive technology more available to Maine children and adults with disabilities.
Website: www.mainecite.org
Maine Waiver Services
Two MaineCare waiver programs (Section 21 and Section 29) provide services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through Medicaid funding.
Website: www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads/get-support/adults-intellectual-disability-and-autism
Autism Society of Maine
Provides education and resources to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
Website: www.asmonline.org
Special Olympics Maine
Year-round sports training and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Website: www.specialolympicsmaine.org
Getting Connected
Many of these organizations offer parent-to-parent support programs, where experienced families help guide others through the process of accessing services and supports. These connections can be invaluable as you navigate the transition to adult services and ongoing support needs.
We're Here to Listen
Every family’s situation is unique, and we want to understand yours. Whether you’re just beginning to explore options or ready to take the next step, we’re here to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Contact Us for Questions
For immediate questions: Call our main office at 207-621-1024
Location-specific questions:
Hallowell Service Area
Jane Lerette, Assistant Director
Phone: 207-621-1023
Email: JaneLerette@FamiliesMatterInc.org
Gardiner Service Area
Erica Poulin, Assistant Director
Phone: 207-203-0004
Email: EricaP@FamiliesMatterInc.org
Skowhegan Service Area
Melinda King, Assistant Director
Phone: 207-612-2992
Email: MelindaKing@FamiliesMatterInc.org
Waterville Service Area
Debra Wells, Assistant Director
Phone: 207-616-3284
Email: DebraWells@FamiliesMatterInc.org
- Experience the Families Matter Approach Firsthand
Ready to see how our person-centered approach can support you or your loved one?
We'd love to show you our programming in action and discuss how we can work together to achieve meaningful goals.