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B U S I N E S S P RO F I L E S 54 B U S I N E S S P R O F I L E S S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N Making an impact, every day "For Jess and for us, John F. Murphy Homes is family." Knowing their 46 year-old son Jess is cared for in a John F. Murphy ( JFM) group home provides Jan Hanson and her husband John of Fryeburg with continued reassurance and immeasurable peace of mind. Jess was born with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Because of significant behavioral challenges that come with his condition, he has lived in a JFM home for the past 25 years. "ey do an excellent job of caring for him," said John. "ey know how to use their strategies to keep him safe, keep him happy." History Since 1977, John F. Murphy Homes, Inc. has been a cornerstone in Maine's efforts to support individuals with IDD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Headquartered in Auburn, JFM has grown from a single residence to a comprehensive network of services that empower individuals across their lifespan. e roots of JFM trace back to 1954 when John F. Murphy, a member of the Lewiston Board of Finance, advocated for the use of the Garcelon School as an educational facility for individuals with developmental disabilities. is initiative laid the groundwork for future services in the region. Following Mr. Murphy's passing in 1976, community leaders established the John F. Murphy Foundation for the Mentally Retarded Inc. in 1977 to honor his legacy. Starting with a modest $100 bank account, the organization opened its first home for six adults. Over the decades, JFM expanded its reach, now providing its continuum of services across 50 locations throughout the Greater Lewiston-Auburn area and beyond. In 2000, the Margaret Murphy Centers for Children (named after John's wife) were founded as special purpose private schools in response to growing need for this type of educational setting. In 2024, JFM's Children Services expanded its footprint, when it opened its eighth school for children with developmental disabilities and autism in Brunswick. Other Margaret Murphy Centers are located in Lewiston, Auburn, Randolph and Saco. Services To achieve its commitment of making lives better for children and adults with differing abilities, JFM offers a continuum of services designed to meet the diverse needs of individuals with IDD and ASD. ese include: Residential Ser vices: JFM provides various 24/365 living options, including group homes, independent apartments and specialized facilities for medical needs, such as a licensed nurs- ing home in Auburn. rough their Person-Centered Planning process, individualized support plans are developed to strengthen skills and confidence with the goal of greater independence. Community integration is a primary focus of JFM's Residential Services as they strive to support independence, develop a sense of community and strengthen human connections. JFM also offers shared living, where eligible members of the com- munity may open their homes to care for an adult with a disability. Typically, this arrangement is with a family member but need not be. Community Day Programs: Operating four distinct programs focusing on skill-building, community integration and personal development through activities like art, music, health and wellness, and volunteer opportunities. e core of what JFM does inside the walls of the Day Program is designed to better prepare people for similar opportunities in the community. In addition, JFM welcomes the community to join with its participants in group activities, through educational experiences and volunteer opportunities. Employment and Work Support Services: JFM promotes Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) by offering individual- ized guidance and coaching to help people with IDD secure and sustain meaningful, community-based jobs. Services are tailored to each person's goals and needs, with a strong emphasis on com- munity integration. JFM partners with a variety of local busi- nesses to create inclusive workplaces where individuals can thrive. Its team of certified Job Coaches, Employment Specialists and Career Planners promote independence while providing support to individuals who then perform different job tasks tailored to the employer's specifications, as well as the necessary interpersonal skills needed on the job. Margaret Murphy Centers for Children (MMCC): A division of JFM, MMCC provides high-quality educational and clinical services to children from birth to age 21 across multiple locations in Maine. e schools employ or collaborate with professionals who hold a range of specialized qualifications or licenses relevant to both education and clinical treatment of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities. Leadership & Workforce In January 2020, Todd Goodwin assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer, succeeding long-serving CEO Peter Kowalski. Goodwin brought extensive experience in Maine's nonprofit sector, particularly in services for individuals with IDD, mental illness and substance use disorders. Under Goodwin's leadership, JFM continues to build on its nearly half-century of providing critical supports to some of Maine's most vulnerable residents. "Dignity, inclusion and opportunity should never be negotiable," says Goodwin. "As we continue to grow, our unwavering focus remains on person-centered care, community integration and advocacy for individuals with differing abilities." John F. Murphy Homes Making Lives Better for Children and Adults with Differing Abilities Additional data 228 adults served 151 adults cared for in residential settings 8 schools serving 244 students 47 owned properties P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F J O H N F. M U R P H Y H O M E S Above: Residents, staff and family members celebrate Ashley Stasulis winning a bronze medal at the 2025 Special Olympics Winter World Games in Turin, Italy.