HOULTON, Maine — Those with a sweet tooth were treated to a free dish of strawberry shortcake Friday as the Community Living Association of Houlton celebrated its annual community appreciation event.
Held in the parking lot of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the event was a way of giving back to the community, according to Rob Moran, executive director for CLA’s northern region.
“This is just a way for us to say thank-you to the community,” Moran said. “We were unable to do this last year because of COVID, so it is really great to be able to do it this year.”
Moran said the event was also an opportunity for CLA to recruit employees to their company as job applications were available. CLA, a private, nonprofit organization that employs more than 250 people supporting people with developmental disabilities to be independent, self-confident and valued members of the community.
In previous years, CLA has held ice cream sundae social events or hot dog grills. This year, the switch was made to strawberry shortcakes. Around 400 dishes were distributed during the two-hour event.
