Over three years ago, Downeast Horizons’ Parents and Board of Directors organized program participants' family members and/or guardians into a group named the Parent Alliance.

The goal of the group is to provide a direct line of open communication from family members to Downeast Horizons’ Management Team. A Board Member and the Executive Director are often invited guests at this meeting. The Executive Director and Board Member actively listen to feedback from the individuals and respond to questions from the group.

The group is supported by Downeast Horizons, but organized and overseen by the family members and/or guardians. The agenda and structure of the meeting is prescheduled by a representative from the Parent Alliance group.

Activities of the Parent Alliance include:

• Assist with Special Olympics
• Consumer Activities
• Host Potluck Lunches for Employee Appreciation
• Coordinates and Assists with Agency fund-raising for the Program Participants
• Event Planning and Implementation
• Represent Agency at Public Events – Town Meetings

Topics Discussed with Guest Speakers include:

• Social Security Benefits
• Guardianship
• Legislative updates
• MaineCare changes
• Downeast Horizons developments and changes
• Downeast Horizons Policies and Procedures
• Employee Trainings
• Agency Events

These meetings are open to Downeast Horizons Program Participants’ family members and/or guardians or invited guests and are held at the Ellsworth Center, 77 Union St. Ellsworth, Maine. For more information, call 667-2400 Extension 19.