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In our February edition, we announced that Chris Stelling would be joining Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s leadership team as the new Director of Development beginning March 21st.
Chris has extensive experience in fundraising, donor relations, community-building, and strategic planning.
We asked her three questions in the first week of her new position:
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SMAA editor: Why did SMAA feel like a good fit for you?
Chris Stelling: SMAA felt like a good fit because its mission is important to me and to Maine. As everyone is likely aware, our population is older on average than other places and I think we have a real opportunity to do it - that is “age” - well. SMAA has been an important part of this work for almost 50 years now so its ongoing success is essential. I am thrilled to be a part of supporting the health of our communities in this way.
SE: What are your top priorities in the next 3-6 months?
CS: My priorities are programs and people. I want to learn more about our different services and about the people who make them possible – staff, volunteers, donors/funders, and community partners. Our work is person-centered, so interacting with our clients and members will be a chance to hear what we are doing well and how we can always keep improving so that they have every opportunity to thrive.
SE: What do you want our partners & donors to know about you?
CS: I am always interested in - and driven by – impact. How does the work we do improve the lives of people in our community and makes them, and the whole community, stronger? So, I look forward to sharing knowledge and experiences about how we together can help an individual – by bringing a smile to a face – and a community gathered together (zoom or otherwise!) to draw on the power of connection.
Please, join us for a warm welcome to Chris Stelling, SMAA's new Director of Development!
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Advance Our Work with Diverse Communities |
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Congregate Lunch:
Yesterday, March 30th, we hosted a "Lunch and Learn" event at 100 State Street, an affordable housing community in Portland. We provided hot and nutritious food and a few of our Information and Resources team members talked about SMAA services and programs. Visit our Facebook page to see pictures from the event.
We are always interested in connecting with housing communities with older adults. Connect with us if you are interested in a "Lunch and Learn" session.
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For Community Providers:
Did you know you can refer clients to SMAA services through the HIPPA compliant Community Provider referral form located on SMAA's website?
Building an Age-Positive Culture:
SMAA staff, volunteers, and board members participated in Power in Aging discussions through the Maine Council on Aging (MCOA) to learn more about building an age-positive culture. To learn more, visit MCOA's Power in Aging Project webpage. |
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Act as a Catalyst and Convener for Social Connections |
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Upcoming SMAA Phone Pal Training Session:
Our Phone Pal program helps decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness among homebound older adults by connecting volunteer "Pals" with Meals on Wheels clients. Phone Pal volunteers provide companionship through phone conversations focused on shared interests. The training will take place via Zoom on Thursday, April 28th at noon. New volunteers are needed - please help us spread the word! For more details contact us at 207-396-6595 or email volunteer@smaaa.org. |
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Shain's of Maine in Sanford is our newest As You Like It location.
Did you know that with our As You Like It (AYLI) program if you are 60+ you can dine out at numerous locations across York and Cumberland counties for a fraction of the price?
Sign up once in person and then you can reload your meal card with our new and efficient way of purchasing AYLI meals. Lookup current locations and how to get a meal card on our As You Like It web page. |
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Build Community Awareness |
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GET HELP WITH YOUR TAXES:
Cumberland County: (207) 347-2335
York County: (207) 324-5762
CASH Maine is providing virtual appointments as well as options to drop off documents and have a phone review with a tax volunteer.
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Boost Your Budget Week
April 11-15th
What stands between you and a budget built for aging well?
The cost of living keeps going up – which can be hard if you’re living on a fixed income. April 11-15 is Boost Your Budget™ Week, the perfect time to see if you qualify for benefits programs that can help you pay for food, medicine, housing, and more. The BenefitsCheckUp® tool, available in English and Spanish, is free and confidential and will give you a personalized list of benefits to explore. Answer a few short questions and get a list of programs that could help you.
Some of these benefits include:
- Medicare Rx Extra Help: get some "extra help" to pay for your prescription drugs
- Supplemental Nutrition Assitance Program (SNAP): for Maine, there are no longer asset caps eligibility requirements for the SNAP program and you can apply for food stamps over the phone.
- Other benefits that can pay for health care, medications, food, finances, and more.
SMAA can assist you with completing the 16-page benefits application form!
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Registration is Now Open for Two A Matter of Balance In-person Classes
Upcoming A Matter of Balance classes in South Portland and Yarmouth starting at the second half of April!
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April is National Volunteer Month
National Volunteer Month celebrates the impact volunteers have had on our lives and communities. This provides the perfect opportunity for our community partners and organizations to recognize and thank volunteers for their service. Southern Maine Agency on Aging would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation and admiration to all volunteers!
Interested in our volunteer opportunities? Please, visit our Volunteer Services web page to learn more
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AARP Coffee Talk* - April: Health Benefits of Volunteering
Friday, April 1, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Trisha Mason, Director, Westbrook College of Health Professions Service Learning, will lead a discussion on the health benefits of volunteering including building relationships, keeping our minds and bodies active, and benefits for overall health. She will also share some ways we can put limits on volunteer opportunities and how to make choices when the need for volunteers is so great.
The event is free. Register Now!
*AARP Coffee talk is a free one-hour monthly program discussing topics important to Maine's 50+ adults. |
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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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