Penquis to dedicate Captain Miller House in honor of Richard M. Brown

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Penquis is proud to announce the dedication of the Captain Miller House in honor of Richard M. Brown, a dedicated leader in behavioral and mental health support and services. A large ceremony was held the first week of November at the Central Hall Commons.

Brown served as the CEO of the Charlotte White Center for 38 years until he retired in 2017. The CWC provided quality community health and social services and behavioral or mental health support for adults, children, and families affected by cognitive or developmental disabilities. During his tenure at CWC, Brown transformed the organization from a small nonprofit serving 15 individuals to a comprehensive agency assisting over 1,2000 people each month.

“Dick’s tireless efforts in providing support and services to those served at CWC was a beacon for the staff and fueled the mission of CWC,” said Lisa Adkins, former executive assistant for Brown.

Brown’s commitment to enhancing mental health services left such an impact that June 2, 2017, was proclaimed Richard M. Brown Day in Dover-Foxcroft. Staff, colleagues, town leaders, legislators, friends, and family came to celebrate Brown’s dedicated tenure at the helm of the CWC.

The opening of the Captain Miller Apartments in 1992 marked a pivotal moment for the CWC and a larger social movement toward empowering individuals for independent living. It was CWC’s first venture into mental health services, expanding its mission beyond day treatment and residential care for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. At the Captain Miller Apartments, individuals transitioned from Bangor Mental Health Institute, now known as the Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center, into their own apartments, with access to shared spaces including a laundry room and a community room used for engaging activities and socializing.

“This venture ignited a transformative realization within our board and staff: we had the potential to address a broader spectrum of needs within our community. We understood that we could provide vital support to individuals facing mental health challenges, acquired brain injuries, and physical disabilities, as well as those in need of clinical counseling and therapy. Over the subsequent decades, this shift in mindset fueled our growth, allowing us to serve over fifteen hundred individuals and families annually. We expanded to include 100 independent and group living facilities, supported by a dedicated team of three hundred and 50 trained professionals.

“The experience and knowledge we gained at Captain Miller Apartments was a catalyst that brought about a change in our collective mindset inspiring us to evolve and enhance our services, ensuring that we remained responsive to the diverse needs of our community,” said Brown.

In January 2019, the CWC officially merged with Penquis. Since that time, Penquis has continued to provide the services for which CWC was known, including community support for adults with disabilities, behavioral health support for adults and children, and residential supportive services, including the Captain Miller House.

“The dedication of the Captain Miller House to Dick Brown is both fitting and meaningful,” said Kara Hay, president and CEO of Penquis. “His unwavering dedication to the people of Piscataquis and Penobscot counties has advanced vital services for those affected by mental health diagnosis and intellectual or developmental disabilities.  It was a great pleasure to honor Dick’s accomplishments and the continued mission of the Captain Miller House in supporting the community.”

During the event Hay delivered the opening remarks. This was followed by the presentation of the building placard and an address from Cindy Freeman Cyr, former board chair at CWC. The event concluded with heartfelt greetings from Richard Brown, who also highlighted the many contributions of those who played a vital role in the success of the CWC’s varied services.

For more information about Penquis services visit www.penquis.org or call 207-973-3500.