Southern Maine Agency on Aging changes name to AgeMaine

By Ed Pierce

Since 1973, one of the most well-known nonprofit organizations serving older adults and caregivers in Cumberland and York counties has been the Southern Maine Agency on Aging. But the organization’s leadership has determined that a new name, AgeMaine, better reflects who they are today and the future that they’re helping build for Maine.

From delivering meals to helping a neighbor find housing, the work of AgeMaine brings together practical support and opportunities to stay connected with care for the people and places that make Maine home. It provides Adult Day Care Programs; Meals and Nutrition overseeing the Meals on Wheels Program, Community Resources; Medicare Counseling, Caregiver Support, and Social Connection for older adults and volunteers to engage in friendly conversations, giving both people time to share, listen, and get to know each other and so much more.

Founded in 1973 under the federal Older Americans Act, AgeMaine is a nonprofit organization that plans and provides services for adults age 60 and older. It prioritizes people with the greatest economic and social needs, including people with limited incomes, minorities, and other people of color, and people living in rural communities.

Alongside its direct services, AgeMaine brings its neighbors’ experiences into statewide conversations about aging.

“Working with staff, volunteers, community partners, and supporters, we advocate for policies and resources that help people find support, stay connected, and have choices about how they age,” a note on the AgeMaine website says. “Maine has the highest percentage of older adults in the nation.”

The announcement of the name change was made on Oct. 5, as guests gathered in Portland. Organization President and CEO Megan Walton revealed the new name and identity to the community.

The unveiling connected the history of Southern Maine Agency on Aging with its hopes for Maine’s future.

“After more than 50 years as Southern Maine Agency on Aging, we’re building on relationships with generations of older adults, caregivers, volunteers, and community partners,” a note on the AgeMaine website said. “Those relationships will continue to guide us as AgeMaine.”

Under its new name, Walton has outlined how AgeMaine’s values will be put into practice going forward:

Community-Centered

AgeMaine will work with community partners, use resources responsibly, and remain transparent.

Innovation

AgeMaine listens, learns, and adapts as people’s needs and communities change.

Belonging

AgeMaine welcomes different experiences, challenges ageism, and makes room for other voices.

Client-Centered

AgeMaine works alongside the people it serves, supporting their choices and communities.

Impact-Driven

AgeMaine strives for excellence and measures the difference its work makes. 

Team-Oriented

AgeMaine staff help one another, communicate openly, and make time for fun in a safe, respectful workplace.

Future priorities

According to Walton, looking ahead to the future, AgeMaine’s priorities will include:

* Expanding community hubs.

* Strengthening social care coordination.

* Developing new approaches with and for volunteers.

* Advancing their work with diverse communities.

Age Maine will continue to be the focal point in Cumberland and York counties for valuable resources, services and information to empower older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers to live to their fullest potential, she said.

To learn more about AgeMaine and services that it offers to the community, visit agemaine.org/ <