WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Disability Rights Center of Maine won a $82,514 grant for the protection and advocacy of those in Maine with mental illness, U.S. Sens. Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins announced Monday.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded the grant to the Augusta-based agency, which works to enhance and promote the equality, self-determination, independence, productivity, integration and inclusion of people with disabilities through education, strategic advocacy and legal intervention.

“This funding will benefit the Disability Rights Center of Maine and the citizens it serves,” Snowe and Collins said in a joint statement. “It is important that the services be in place to ensure that no Mainer is left behind. We are pleased to announce this funding.”