@@United States Department of Agriculture ♦ Rural Development in Maine ♦ 967 Illinois Ave, Suite 4

Bangor, ME 04402-0405 ♦Voice (207) 990-9160 ♦ Email: Emily.Cannon@me.usda.gov ♦

Web: www.rurdev.usda.gov/me

USDA Rural Development has selected Casa, Inc. to receive a Community Facilities Direct Loan in the amount of $6.2 million.

Casa Inc., established in 1979, is an organization that serves both children and adults with a broad variety of needs throughout Cumberland and York Counties. Their new facility will be a
20 bed long-term intermediate care facility with 24-hour nursing services. The new building will replace the older 16-bed facility, and create room for additional parking. Casa’s Intermediate Care Facility for Mental Retardation is the only facility of its kind in Southern Maine and its location benefits the family members who would have to travel greater distance for services.

USDA Rural Development State Director Virginia Manuel said, “This significant Rural Development investment in the Scarborough community underscores our commitment to the quality care provided to patients and the benefit of keeping care close to home by Casa, Inc. I am very pleased USDA Rural Development funding could be so instrumental in this critical healthcare project.”

Casa, Inc. Executive Director Anne Walp said “Casa is very excited to have been awarded this $6.2 million Community Facility Loan from the USDA Rural Development to construct a new Intermediate Care Facility serving people with developmental disabilities in Scarborough.  This new facility will enhance the quality of life, opportunities and medical support for both adults and children in a home-like environment.” She added that the organization is awaiting final direction from the Department of Health and Human Services as they move forward.

USDA Rural Development has Area Offices located in Presque Isle, Bangor, Lewiston, and Scarborough, as well as a State Office, located in Bangor. There are 69 employees working to deliver the agency’s Housing, Business, and Community Programs, which are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, and farmers, and improve the quality of life in rural Maine. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/me.