Friday, December 6, 2024

Community Connections pilot program launches to enhance access to Age-Friendly resources and support

Windham is celebrating the launch of a new Community Connections project, a local initiative aimed at strengthening the community and promoting well-being for older people.

The project’s primary goal is to build robust connections between local services and older adults, allowing them easier access to essential resources and social opportunities. Erica Bell-Watkins, the dedicated Windham Community Connector, began the project in September and is already working closely with residents and community partners, helping bridge gaps in access to programs and services and creating avenues for participation.

“Age Friendly Windham's project focuses on a disaster preparedness initiative, in partnership with other local organizations,” Bell-Watkins said. “We are looking to work with the community to gather information through a survey, increase preparedness through easy to find and clear information, as well as creating and distributing a bag with helpful tools and supplies that individuals and families can use in the event of a prolonged weather event.”

Key local partners, including the Windham Police Department and the Windham Fire-Rescue Department, and Cumberland County Emergency Management have joined forces in support of this effort.

Bell-Watkins said that these partners provide essential resources and expertise to strengthen the project’s reach, ensuring that vital support and programs are accessible to all who need them.

“By focusing on service navigation, social engagement, and disaster preparedness, the pilot is strengthening Windham’s focus on supporting older residents,” she said.

The Community Connections program, a signature statewide initiative of the Governor's Cabinet on Aging, is made possible by a $2.5 million investment from the American Rescue Plan Act and is managed in collaboration with the University of Maine Center on Aging and Maine’s five Area Agencies on Aging.

“Maine has long been a national leader in promoting healthy, active, and engaged aging. Partnering together at the community level strengthens our critical work to create inclusive and livable communities where Mainers of all ages can thrive and recognizes the value of these community efforts in accomplishing that goal” says Elizabeth Gattine, Cabinet on Aging Coordinator.

In all there are 12 pilot sites engaged with the Community Connections program across the state, each with goals specific to the unique needs of their community. The statewide goals of the program are to create pathways for assistance, strengthen ties between Age-Friendly Communities and local Area Agencies on Aging, and enhance access to training and technology supports for Age-Friendly initiatives.

For residents of Windham, the pilot program offers further opportunities to engage, seek assistance, and participate in local programs tailored to their needs.

Maine received designation in October 2019 as an AARP Age-Friendly State, the first step in a multiyear process to make Maine more livable for people of every age. It was just the sixth state in the nation to receive the coveted designation, which provided access to critical data, technical advice, best practices and organizing tools to help Maine plan for the future and learn from a global network of partners to better serve older Mainers. Today, more than 100 communities in Maine also have the Age-Friendly designation.

Community members interested in learning more about Community Connections, or looking to get involved or donate items, are encouraged to reach out to Community Connector Erica Bell-Watkins. To learn about events, services, or volunteer opportunities, visit agefriendlywindham.org call 207-892-4649 or send an email to eabellwatkins@windhammaine.us. <




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