FARMINGTON – Rick Dorian, LEAP executive director, recently presented $500 scholarships to Amanda Jewett of Livermore Falls and Jewell Arbour of Augusta.

Jewett is studying to be a medical assistant at Central Maine Community College in Auburn and Arbour is majoring in social work at Simmons College in Boston.

LEAP’s board of directors developed the Cordes-Taylor Scholarship Fund in 2004 to recognize the outstanding contributions of two women who have demonstrated excellence to LEAP (Life Enrichment Advancing People) Inc., with more than 50 years of combined service in support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in western and central Maine.

Kathleen Cordes served LEAP for more than 25 years as a program administrator, manager and leader. Her commitment, energy, dedication and support of the rights of all people served was a model to her community.

Marjorie Taylor has served LEAP for more than 25 years as a residential counselor, dietary and nutritional specialist and office coordinator and has shown endless support to staff, managers and the people served through her organization.

The primary focus of the scholarships is to assist current active staff members of LEAP to further their education in the fields of rehabilitation, special education, psychology, disability or related studies, which will improve the overall supports for people with disabilities.

Although particular emphasis is given to LEAP staff, western Maine residents who are pursuing their education in these related fields may also apply.

LEAP is a Farmington-based private nonprofit agency, which has been providing community and residential support for people with developmental disabilities and mental retardation in western and central Maine and their families for nearly 27 years.

For more information about LEAP and its services, visit www.leapcommunity.org or write to LEAP, 313 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington, ME 04938 or call 778-3443.