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February 2022: SPECIAL EDITION includes REPORT to the COMMUNITY |
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REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY
for the fiscal Year 2020-2021 |
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Biddeford Meals on Wheels volunteers and staff (L to R): Norm Gobeil, JoAnn Gobeil, Lilly Lavoie-Sirois, Ashley Perrone (Site Manager), and Kathi Davison |
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Dear Friends,
Over the past year, the Southern Maine Agency on Aging has continued to adapt, refine, and flex our strategic priorities to keep our clients and community front and center. Key highlights from 2021 include:
A New Strategic Plan for the Agency
We set five key areas to guide our efforts and measure success:
- Advance SMAA’s work with diverse communities
- Ensure a client-centered approach
- Build community awareness and support
- Grow SMAA’s organizational capacity
- Expand SMAA’s role as a catalyst and convener for social connection for older adults
SMAA Headquarters moved to the Sam L. Cohen Center in Biddeford
We sold our building in Scarborough, which allowed us to redirect funds toward
programs and services.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Became a Critical Strategy to Reach Underserved Populations
We have taken proactive steps to make our programs and services more inclusive
and welcoming to all older adults in Cumberland and York counties regardless of
race, sexual orientation, or physical abilities; we continue to grow strategic partnerships that advance our DEI work.
During Fiscal Year 2020-2021, SMAA served nearly 20,000 older adults in Cumberland and York counties. With the support of more than 600 volunteers, we delivered nutritious meals to our Meals on Wheels clients, kept folks active and socially
connected with wellness classes, and helped older adults save more than
$230,000 on their Medicare costs.
As we continue to adapt to public health recommendations and emerging community needs, we remain rooted in our mission to empower older adults, adults
with disabilities, and their care partners to live to their fullest potential through
resources, services, and information. Thank you for your continued support!
Megan Walton Susan Keiler William Hall
CEO Chair, Board of Directors Chair, Advisory Council |
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3,500 + clients were served
334,000 meals through Meals on Wheels, Community Cafe, and meals to go programs |
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5,600+ clients were directed to resources through 7,900 calls
Requests for financial assistance were the most common calls |
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Partner of the Year:
Northern Light Home Care & Hospice
Through this partnership, we referred 2,000+ individuals for COVID-19 vaccination appointments, including 425 homebound clients. |
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Catholic Charities
Provided training and translation services, this partnership helped us build connections with diverse communities |
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Volunteers Rick Seavey and JoAnn Gobeil getting Meals on Wheels bags ready for delivery |
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$632,000
Total value of
volunteers hours |
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READ the full REPORT to the COMMUNITY 2020-2021 |
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We are happy to announce that Chris Stelling will be joining Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s leadership team as the new Director of Development beginning March 21st.
Chris Stelling comes to us from the Maine Seacoast Mission, a 116-year-old nonprofit which provides educational opportunities, family support, community-building, and health services in coastal and island communities of Downeast Maine. She has extensive experience in fundraising, donor relations, community-building and strategic planning.
Upon joining SMAA, Chris will focus on understanding our strategic planning process and learning about our current donors. She will be working very closely with Megan Walton, SMAA’s CEO, to prioritize the agency-wide fundraising needs. She is an excellent writer with significant grant experience.
Please join us in welcoming Chris!
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Advance Our Work with Diverse Communities |
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For Community Providers:
You can refer clients through the Community Provider referral form located on SMAA's website.
Congregate Lunch:
We will be hosting a "Lunch and Learn" at 100 State Street on Wednesday, March 30th. We will provide hot and nutritious food to members of diverse communities and present SMAA services and programs.
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Act as a Catalyst and Convener for Social Connections |
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A survey of the participants in the fall Agewell classes showed that 87% of respondents felt the classes increased their sense of social connections. Spring Agewell workshops will be announced soon! Check our calendar for the most up-to-date information. |
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We implemented a new and efficient way of purchasing As You Like It (AYLI) meals which was well received by our clients and partner restaurants and led to noticeable uptake of ordered meals.
Learn more and purchase AYLI meals:
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Put the Client at the Center |
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Care partner support groups continue each month, with both virtual and in-person options at the Cohen Center in Biddeford. Additionally, we have available funds through the Family Caregiver Respite Program available to care partners of individuals with dementia who struggle to afford respite care. Please call 207-396-6541 for more information.
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Warm Heart, Warm Feet Campaign:
In partnership with Renys stores, we collected and delivered over 700+ pairs of socks to homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and programs supporting older adults.
Program Partners: AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP, Foster Grandparents, and Senior Companions
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Build Community Awareness |
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SCAM REMINDER:
If you get a phone call similar to this one:
"Hello, I am calling from Social Security regarding your new Medicare Smart card. Would you mind giving me your Medicare number so I can finish processing your smart card?" hang up and report the scam - Social Security never calls unless you have initiated the call and they are returning your call! Report the scam: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/assistant
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GET HELP WITH YOUR TAXES:
Cumberland County: (207) 347-2335
York County: (207) 207-324-5762
CASH Maine is providing virtual appointments as well as options to drop off documents and have a tax volunteer call you.
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Have you seen the Maine DHHS Application for Benefits? It is 16 pages!
It can be overwhelming just trying to figure out all the information you need to provide to qualify for any state benefits.
Let a member of our Information and Referrals (I&R) team help you complete your application and take part of the burden off your shoulders.
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Volunteer Opportunities:
Sanford's Meals on Wheels site is in need of additional drivers/packers for Thursdays. They are at capacity with their current clients and need volunteers to take on deliveries to new clients. Sanford is also looking for a volunteer that might be able to assist with the delivery of commodity boxes as it requires a bit of heavy lifting.
To see the complete list of volunteer opportunities based on your interests, time and availability, visit our Volunteer Services page.
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FREE Event for Providers, Care Partners, and People Living
with Memory Loss |
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The Alzheimer’s Association will host a free virtual educational conference for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and their families.
Hear from a panel of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as a panel of caregivers who will share firsthand experiences in their journey with the disease and life after a diagnosis. Experts in the field of care and support will share practical and concrete recommendations, resources, and guidance in the care and support for those living a life with dementia.
The New England Family Conference will take place March 4-5, 2022, and is open to individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, family caregivers, and the general public.
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If this newsletter was forwarded to you and you wish to join our mailing list, sign up here |
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If you or your organization is interested in partnering with us, please, contact us at info@smaaa.org |
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