Program Overview: The Becket House at Litchfield is a Licensed Mental Health Assisted Living Facility for adults age 18 and older who are not yet ready to live on their own because of on-going mental illness, developmental disabilities and/or physical limitations. The program focuses on each individual’s specific disability and needs, while providing a safe and secure environment.

Transition Planning: Ultimately, transition planning is about students leaving school and entering into independent living, the work force, or other post-secondary scenarios. Becket House at Belgrade is committed to supporting students as they explore and prepare for healthy and positive outcomes. to identify and achieve their life goals.

Latest News at Becket House at Litchfield

Hiking Mount Pisgah in Winthrop, Maine

May 2010, Becket House at Litchfield

Two adventurous Becket House at Litchfield residents recently hiked Mount Pisgah in Winthrop, Maine. They boldly chose the most advanced trail to the peak. Once they reached the summit, the view was breathtaking and well worth the extra effort.

Making a Difference in Our County

April 2010, Becket House at Litchfield

For the past few weeks the young men of Becket House at Litchfield have been hitting the trails. While they have been getting their exercise they have also been cleaning up the trails along the way. They have volunteered to go out once a week and clean up the 6.5 mile Kennebec Rail Trail. This trail welcomes locals and visitors alike for walking, running, cycling, skateboarding, rollerblading, and dog walking.

Along the Kennebec River, the trail stretches from Augusta, Maine's Waterfront Park, through the towns of Hallowell and Farmingdale, to its conclusion in the city of Gardiner, Maine. Each time the students have gone they have picked quite a bit of trash, but have always come back with much more than that. They have been thanked by visitors who have been out on the trail many times throughout each trip.

Litchfield Resident Off to a Great Start at Capilo

March 2010, Becket House at Litchfield

Becket House at Litchfield resident, Joel, has recently started classes at the Capilo Institute of Cosmetology in Augusta, ME. Joel plans to complete this training in approximately one year and receive a certificate in cosmetology. After he completes this program he will be required to pass an exam through the State of Maine to receive his license in cosmetology. Joel received a perfect score on his first assignment and is off to a great start!

College Today, Leadership Tomorrow!

February 2010, Becket House at Litchfield

When introduced to the idea of attending college, Matthew, one of Becket House at Litchfield's residents, replied, "I can really go to College??? Sweeettt!" Matthew eagerly sat down and immediately began filling out all the necessary applications. Much to his delight, Matthew was admitted into the University of Maine at Augusta's (UMA) Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Systems (CIS).

After earning two B's in his first semester, Matthew began his second semester by getting more involved with the campus community. Matthew has since become the UMA Moose Mascot, nicknamed "Uma." He has also recently been voted in as a full member of the UMA Student Government Association. We couldn't be more proud of Matthew for all of his hard work and continued success!

What's That New Sound?

January 2010, Becket House at Litchfield

When our story left off in the last newsletter, we were waiting to see "What's Hatching?" at Litchfield with our new chicken eggs. Well, now we've heard mysterious noises coming from the incubator and have discovered chick by chick hatching out of their shells happily chirping at us.

The next step for these chicks is to move from the incubator to a large wooden box, which was crafted by the residents. As the cycle continues, so will our story...

What's Hatching?

November 2009, Becket House at Litchfield

Looking at the Becket House of Litchfield, things appear to be business as usual as residents attend college classes, night school, go to work, and volunteer in the community. However, if you look beyond the typical scene,s there is something special going on campus.

Sitting on a filing cabinet in the office you will spy a large styrofoam box that seems to be out of the ordinary. Though it looks out of place, it is right where it will be for the next couple of weeks or so, as it is quite special. That unusual box contains a couple dozen chicken eggs, and is actually an incubator preparing those eggs to hatch into baby chickens. The whole incubation process will take roughly 21 days from start to finish. The residents and staff are learning how a chicken's life progresses one step at a time. Soon, the residents and staff will be learning the next step of the cycle, once the eggs hatch. And as the eggs hatch, so will the story.

Summer Splash after Working Hard Toward Graduation

August 2009, Becket House at Litchfield

From the days of waiting for the prom to graduating from high school comes a little well deserved play time. Litchfield students worked hard all school year to graduate and they earned extra free time for a little fun in the water.

The Litchfield house went on their annual camping trip to Lamoine State Park where it unfortunately rained most of the time. The staff and students were still excited from attending their school prom and graduation so their bright attitude would keep them smiling all week throughout the rain. The students had a great time hiking Cadillac Mountain trail, playing charades, cooking in the rain, going to Sand Beach and enjoying a relaxing swim. We are all very proud of these guys because they have all accomplished something that has taken years to achieve through many obstacles which the average person typically does not have to endure. They certainly should all be proud of themselves!

March, 2008, Becket House at Litchfield

When resident Bob first came to Becket House at Litchfield, he spent a lot of time by himself.  He took quite awhile to open up to many staff members and even to his fellow peers.  Litchfield staff worked with Bob through many life skills that he will keep with him on his journey toward independence.

After obtaining his driver's license, Bob went to the community and landed a job at a local restaurant doing dishes.  Bob is still working there and has even taken on more responsibilities in the kitchen.  Using skills learnt through the Becket program, Bob has saved enough money to buy a truck, put a down payment on his insurance, and save money to go towards getting his own apartment.  

Due to his continued success, Bob was chosen to go on an adventurous trip to the Florida Everglades.  The group drove three days to southern Florida, taking in many historic sites along the way. They then spent five days canoeing and camping and encountered many species of fish, alligators, lizards, sand sharks, and horseshoe crabs. They dined on popular local cuisine such as alligator and conch. When asked what the alligator tasted like Bob replied, "It tastes just like chicken!"  

Bob is nearing graduation and his goal is to join the Marine Corps.   He has been meeting with his recruiter regularly, and together they have been working towards achieving this goal. Within a year, it is amazing to see just how far Bob has come since he first arrived at the Becket House at Belgrade.  Way to go Bob and good luck!

Litchfield Residents "Get out the Vote"

October, 2008, Becket House at Litchfield

 Everywhere you turn this year there has been a lot of talk about how big of an election year it was going to be.  Normally, at The Becket House at Litchfield, politics is never on the agenda, but the residents put it there on this past November 4th.  Out of nine residents that were home on Election Day, seven of them made it to the polls.  The two that did not vote were not yet 18 years old.

The day started like any other day at the house with the residents heading off to school or work or completing their household routines.  But as the day progressed and the guys started to return to the house the questions started.  "How can I vote?" "Can I register to vote?"  "Can we go vote?"   Without getting politically involved, the voting process was explained to all the residents, before getting to the voting place.  When they got there they each filled out all the required forms to get registered to vote.  Then one by one they cast their votes. 

Throughout the night the residents, chose to watch a news channel on the television instead of watching their usual sports or a movie, or even playing video games.  All because the residents wanted to see how their choices were doing. No one really said who or what they voted for but all agreed that it would be a day that would make history.  And it was... Litchfield "Got out the Vote!"

DMH Visit Awards Litchfield 3 Year License Approval

September, 2008, Becket House at Litchfield

Becket House at Litchfield recently was approved for a 3 year license from Maine's Department of Mental Health! DMH worker, Jill Dorsey spent 2 days thoroughly visiting the house. Ms. Dorsey stated, "Outstanding work, very organized, work completed by all is above and beyond most anything I’ve seen, there is a wealth of information provided that is organized and clear." 

Ms. Dorsey said she was "utmost impressed with the cleanliness of the facility, the presentation by the young men in the program, along with the warm and homey atmosphere the Litchfield program provides."  She was also very impressed with the length of each staffs’ tenure.  Ms. Dorsey stated in her report that Litchfield's clinical program (assessments, treatment plan, and clinical notes) is "impeccable." 

Way to go Litchfield! Keep up the great work!

BH at Litchfield Receives "2008 Best of Litchfield Award"

September, 2008, Becket House at Litchfield

Becket House at Litchfield has been selected for the 2008 Best of Litchfield Award in the Mental Health Services category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2008 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

Hats Off to Two Recent Graduates

July 2008

Two students from The Becket House at Litchfield have taken a tremendous step towards their successful futures.  Shane and Alexander recently graduated with their high school diplomas from Becket’s Androscoggin Learning & Transition Center.

To commemorate the event, a luncheon was held at Becket House at Litchfield to honor the graduates with special certificates.  The graduates surprised faculty by with speeches describing their excitement as they move forward toward their future goals.  They also thanked staff and their peers for all the support that had offered since joining the program.

Alexander is planning to attend college in the near future and hopes to become a Veterinarian.  Shane plans to start college classes at a nearby community college this fall, where he plans to study mechanics.  

Becket House at Litchfield congratulates Shane and Alex: “Hats off to these two graduates and best of luck to them as move on toward success and independence.”

Moving On Up-Student Success Story

April 2008

When Christopher first arrived at The Becket House at Litchfield, he was a quiet and reserved young man.  Initially, Christopher was not one to socialize or interact with staff or his peers.  Over time, Christopher really started opening up to everyone around him.  He charmed everyone with his quick sense of humor and genuine smile. Christopher slowly but steadily built healthy relationships with his peers and mentors.  Christopher has made lifelong friendships while living at the Becket House.

Staff worked diligently with Christopher on his education and he triumphantly earned his General Equivalence Diploma (G.E.D).  After graduating, Christopher said, "Now that school is over I can make some real money!"  To our delight it did not take long for Chris to find a job.  Staff helped Christopher find steady employment at St. Mary's Medical Center with their Campus Cuisine department.  Christopher is working full time (40 hours per week) with full benefits and has successfully worked there for over six months.   When asked what he was going to buy with his money, Christopher stated, "Nothing.  I need to save up and find an apartment first." 

The pivotal day arrived when Program Director Fred French and Christopher sat down for one of their weekly meetings.  Fred asked Chris, "So, what is our next step?"  Christopher smiled and said, "I think it is time to move, I have been waiting for this my entire life."  Christopher and his primary staff, Lyn Marquis, started their search for an apartment.  They found an apartment with an ideal location, less than a mile from his work and down the street from some off the best pizza joints the area.  Christopher signed his lease and is ready to move in.  Lyn Marquis reflects, "It is very exciting being a part of this successful transition.  We have watched Christopher grow into a successful and hard working young man."

Christopher will be greatly missed at The Becket House of Litchfield.  We all wish him Good Luck and great success in life!