01 / A Maine Nonprofit — Statewide Initiative
Compass Connections of MaineMapping the path for fuller lives
Providing support services, advocacy, education, respite care, and community-based resources to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, and their families and caregivers.
02 / Our Mission
A CompassFor Every Family
Compass Connections of Maine exists to provide support services, advocacy, education, respite care, and community-based resources to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, and their families and caregivers.
Grounded in advocacy, respect, and a commitment to doing what's right for each individual, we walk alongside families through every season — offering steady guidance and meaningful connection across Maine.
Person-Centered Care
Support Services
Direct, individualized support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, honoring each person's dignity and goals.
A Stronger Voice
Advocacy & Education
Standing beside individuals, families, and caregivers — equipping them with knowledge and a confident voice in every decision.
Connection & Rest
Respite & Community
Respite Care coming soon.
03 / Our Services
A Full Spectrumof Support
Every individual and family's journey is unique. We offer a full range of support services, advocacy, and education — each one anchored in respect and delivered with the warmth and attentiveness that defines Compass Connections of Maine.
Support Services
Person-centered support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping each person live a full, dignified, and self-directed life.
Advocacy
Standing beside individuals and families to ensure their voices are heard, their rights are upheld, and their needs are met across every system of care.
Education
Equipping families and caregivers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate complex care decisions and advocate with clarity.
Respite Care
Coming Soon
Community-Based Resources
Connecting individuals and families to local programs, services, and support networks across the communities of Maine.
Neurodegenerative Support
Specialized, steady support for individuals and families navigating neurodegenerative diseases — with dignity at every stage of the journey.
04 / Our Community
Anchored inMaine
Compass Connections of Maine is a statewide initiative — and more than a service provider, we are part of the fabric of Maine. Our commitment extends beyond the individuals and families we serve directly to the strength and vitality of the communities they call home.
From the southern coast to the northern woods, we understand the unique rhythms and needs of communities across the state. This deep local knowledge lets us connect families to the right resources — with care that is both dependable and genuinely attuned to the place they live.
100%
Person-Centered
Statewide
Across Maine
05 / Board of Directors
Guided by ThoseWho Serve
Our Board of Directors brings together healthcare leaders, advocates, and family voices — united by a commitment to individuals with disabilities and their families across Maine.
Jennifer Barron
RN, BSN, LNC, SWOC
Founder & Executive Director
Jennifer brings extensive experience in healthcare leadership, nonprofit development, grant writing health administration, and community-based services. She has co-founded multiple community health organizations and carries a longstanding commitment to developing solutions to unmet needs within Maine communities. Jennifer was nominated for the Phoebe King Excellence in Public Health award in 2011 for her work in co-founding Lincoln County Dental, a nonprofit that provides dental services to individuals at or below the federal poverty line. Lincoln County Dental continues to provide valuable dental health services to this day.
Sylvain Ifashabayo
Vice President
Sylvain brings significant experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He serves as Senior Director of Operations for Lighthouse Health Services, a residential provider serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His background in residential services, operations, and organizational leadership offers valuable insight into the needs of the individuals Compass Connections seeks to serve.
Lisa Woodbury
Board Member / Treasurer
Lisa brings many years of experience working with residential care facilities and has served as a Residential Care Director. Her work in residential care, staff leadership, and supporting individuals with complex needs offers valuable perspective on the challenges faced by adults with disabilities and the organizations that support them. As Treasurer, she also provides financial oversight to the organization.
Zoe Hunt
Secretary
Zoe is a community member and family advocate with personal experience of intellectual disability through a family member. She advocates for a more inclusive community where individuals with disabilities have opportunities to participate, connect, and experience community life. Zoe brings an important family and community perspective to the Board of Directors.
06 / In the News
Stories FromOur Journey
Press coverage of our work and announcements from the Compass Connections of Maine community — a record of the moments that shape our mission.
Announcements
August 2026
Board of Directors Welcomes New Members
Compass Connections of Maine is proud to announce the addition of new board members who strengthen our commitment to individuals and families across the state.
July 2026
2026–2027 Fundraising Goal Announced
We've set a $100,000 goal to expand community access, advocacy, and community-based resources. Every gift moves us closer to families who need it most.
07 / Ways to Give
Help Us ReachOur $100,000 Goal
As a Maine nonprofit, Compass Connections of Maine relies on the generosity of our community. Every gift directly supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, and their families and caregivers.
Our 2026–2027 fundraising goal of $100,000 will expand respite care, advocacy, and community-based resources across Maine. Every contribution moves us closer.
Donate Online via Zeffy
Give securely through Zeffy — one-time or recurring — with zero platform fees, so 100% of your gift supports families across Maine.
One-Time Gift
A single contribution of any size, directly supporting the families we serve across Maine.
Monthly Giving
Become a sustained supporter with a recurring gift that provides reliable, ongoing care and resources.
In Honor or In Memory
Make a gift in honor of a loved one — a meaningful tribute that carries their name forward.
Volunteer Your Time
Share your time, skills, and compassion alongside the individuals and families in our community.
08 / Begin Your Voyage
Let Us WalkAlongside You
Whether you're seeking support for a loved one, advocacy for your family, or simply want to learn what's available, we're here to listen. Reach out — the first conversation is always complimentary.
