The Progress Center

The Progress Center has a long and proud tradition of creating opportunities within the community for people and families . In the 1970’s, a small group of families began a day program for their adult children with developmental disabilities to promote socialization, continued education and employment training. In 1980 the organization formally incorporated as The Progress Center. Today The Progress Center serves over 400 adults and children with developmental disabilities and/or mental health concerns, along with their families. In addition The Progress Center’s kitchen provides meals to our community member each year. 

Our Mission

Our mission is to inspire hope, independence and lasting change within our community through building a healthy environment in which all individuals may thrive. Our vision is that by 2025 The Progress Center will be recognized as a valued and trusted community partner in increasing participation and expanding opportunities to create sustainable independence. We will reliably empower individuals to make lasting changes in their own lives and communities providing the range of support that individuals and families need to achieve independence throughout their entire lifespan.

Meet Our
Board of Directors

Our board is dedicated to supporting our participants’ independence and freedom of choice. They are compassionate and committed leaders vested in supporting our organization as we navigate our employees and consumers toward a better, brighter future.

Kathleen Perkins, Chairperson, Herbert Rau, Vice Chairman, Mike Grass, Treasurer, Susan Hanley, Secretary, Melissa Burgess, Jeanne Silverman, Caitlyn Paige

 Media

Advertiser Democrat, April 2019, https://www.sunjournal.com/2019/04/18/norway-business-expanding-to-oxford/

Sun Journal, April 2019, https://www.sunjournal.com/2019/04/18/norway-business-expanding-to-oxford/

Sun Journal, January 2019, Progress Center Receives Donation

Turner Publishing, December 23, https://www.turnerpublishing.net/news/2018/12/23/ross-named-progress-center-finance-director/

Oxford Hills Observer, December 7, 2017: Norway’s Progress Center receives grant for Community Kitchen program

Lewiston Sun Journal, Wednesday, October, 11, 2017: Progress Center in Norway to Hold Third Annual Run

Oxford Hills Observer, October 13, 2017: Progress Center to hold Trick or Treat Trot Oct. 28 in Norway

Oxford Hills Observer, September 15, 2017: Stephens Memorial Hospital offers Make it Mediterranean class Sept. 20

Oxford Hills Observer, July 31, 2017: Those needing food in the Oxford Hills have options

Oxford Hills Observer, April 9, 2017: Lewiston, Norway organizations awarded Androscoggin Bank MainStreet Foundation grants

Lewiston Sun Journal, Friday, January 5, 2017: Two Progress Center Employees Earn Licenses

Advertiser Democrat, March, 24, 2016: Oxford Hills Thief Would Have Been Given Food if Needed

Lewiston Sun Journal, Friday, April 25, 2014: Putnam Joins The Progress Center

Lewiston Sun Journal, Saturday, November 9, 2013: Record Park Memorial Trail

Lewiston Sun Journal, Monday, March 25, 2013: Norway Progress Center Receives Donation

Lewiston Sun Journal, Monday, December 13,2012: Sandra Shorey Joins Progress Center Team

Lewiston Sun Journal, Friday, September 20, 2011: Community Kitchen Opens in Norway


 “The Progress Center is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer”