NEW GLOUCESTER — A Maine organization that supports people with disabilities is opening its doors at two residential homes on Short Bennett Road. 

The Morrison Center, a non-profit based in Scarborough and Wells, purchased the roughly 20 acres of property from Wayfinder Schools at the former Opportunity Farm. 

The two homes will be used as residential housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder, according to a Morrison Center press release. 

“We are happy to be here in New Gloucester; the community is vibrant and provides many opportunities for our consumers,” said Morrison Center Director Mark Ryder. 

Each of the buildings will house up to ten occupants, the release says. 

A January open letter from Wayfinder, an alternative education non-profit, announced the sale. 

“Recently, we were approached by another non-profit, Morrison of Maine, that was interested in purchasing the Snowe and Welch Houses on our lower campus,” said Wayfinder Executive Director Paul Andres and Board Chair Don Russell in the letter. “We are thrilled that these buildings have the chance to be fully utilized again while helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of Wayfinder Schools.”  

Amy Whitmore, the Development Coordinator at the Morrison Center, said that the existing layout of the properties “lent itself to group home living” from when they were previously used as dormitories.

“They were ready,” Whitmore said about the buildings. 

Whitmore said the new location in New Gloucester can offer opportunities for clients including recreation, gardening, farm-to-table activities and access to the Portland and Lewiston areas via its proximity to the Maine Turnpike. Clients were slated to start moving in this, she said. 

She described the new property as a “warm, relaxing place.”

“And so is New Gloucester,” she added. 

Matt Junker can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 123 or mjunker@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @MattJunker.

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