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Join us on September 16th for SMAA's 5th annual fundraising event and inspirational luncheon
Charting the Future. Guided by this year's theme
Better Together, the event will reimagine a support system for older adults in Maine, fortified by connection, resilience, and innovation.
Our keynote speaker, Beth Steinhorn, a nationally recognized author, trainer, and President of VQ Volunteer Strategies, will share actionable insights on how to engage volunteers innovatively and strategically to increase impact. Her latest book,
Transforming Disruption to Impact: Rethinking Volunteer Engagement for a Rapidly Changing World, captures the mechanisms used to engage people in volunteer service to address the world's most critical issues - made even more critical due to the pandemic.
We will recognize Barbara Bock as SMAA’s Volunteer of the Year and Catholic Charities Maine Refugee and Immigration Services as the Community Partner of the Year.
The event is open to all members of the community who are concerned about and work towards improving the quality of life and well-being of the older members of our communities.
Charting the Future: Better Together will begin at noon with attendee seating starting at 11:30 am at The Woodlands Club, Falmouth.
Purchase your tickets today - space is limited!
Proceeds from the event will support SMAA programs and services for older adults, adults with disabilities, and their care partners in Cumberland and York counties.
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Dear friends of SMAA:
As you may have areadly heard, Doug Wilson, a SMAA staff member, passed away early this month.
Doug was a beloved part of the team and had been part of our mission for over six years. Originally introduced to SMAA’s work through the Agewell & Tai Chi programs, Doug served as a member of our Community Services team. During the pandemic, Doug worked tirelessly with volunteers to help clients in the far reaches of our two counties; his team trained clients on how to use tablets.
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He most recently coordinated the Money Minders programs and was a treasured part of the Plummer Senior Living community in Falmouth, where he served as a Resident Resource Coordinator. Doug was always networking and looking for ways to make SMAA’s services stronger.
Doug had not planned on joining the SMAA team when he and his wife moved to West Bath several years ago. He came to Maine to retire after a successful career in healthcare and management consulting! But he was constantly compelled by the staff, the volunteers, and the clients. His love of technology and his desire to help people were felt deeply by all who interacted with him.
It’s hard to put into words how wonderful Doug was and how much he will be missed by our community. Please keep his family and the SMAA team in your thoughts.
Megan Walton, CEO
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PUTTING THE CLIENT AT THE CENTER |
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A Memory Café is a safe, non-judgmental space where caregivers and their loved ones living with memory impairment can socialize, learn, create, and more. We provide a meal, refreshments, and different forms of entertainment: music therapy, art therapy, and gentle exercise.
Come join others who walk the same path as you, share some food and laughs, and make new memories!
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RESPITE CARE REIMBURSEMENT CHANGE:
On August 11th, 2022, Gov. Mills sent out a memo to the five Agencies on Aging in Maine, notifying them about the increase in respite care reimbursement for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's Disease or related disorders. The increase is from $3,800 to $4,778. These changes are retroactive to January 1, 2022.
If you are a caregiver, please contact us at 207-396-6500 to find out if you qualify. If you are a provider, please notify your clients about the change.
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Check out our new Family Caregiver Support Program newsletter - meet staff, learn about upcoming events, and more! |
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TAX CLINIC for adults with disabilities and people 60+ |
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Request an appointment or share the flyer with your clients. |
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Grab and share the flyer. If you are interested in sharing more details on your social media, please contacts us at marketing@smaaa.org and we will send you our media kit. |
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MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD:
October 15th - December 7th
Medicare health and drug plans can make changes each year - things like cost, coverage, and which providers and pharmacies are in their networks. October 15 to December 7 is when all people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs.
SMAA's Certified SHIP Counselors can help you find the best option for you.
Sign up for an appointment with our self-serve online system starting September 12th on our website. |
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It is never too early to start thinking about winter and fuel costs. Let's figure out together what benefits you may qualify, including heating assistance! Call us today to talk to a Resource Specialist! 207-396-6500 |
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For Community Providers:
Did you know you can refer clients to SMAA services through the HIPAA-compliant Community Provider referral form?
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UNIQUE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Looking for an opportunity to assist with the Refugee Resettlement Program? SMAA is working with Jewish Community Alliance to assist with weekly grocery trips for refugee families! This flexible opportunity gives you a chance to connect with people from different backgrounds once a week and help them navigate both big box supermarkets as well as small local markets. You can also choose to shop independently to assist new arrivals in the resettlement program! Inquire if you have strong intra-personal skills and curiosity about different customs, cultures, and languages.
Help people in your local community save money! WindowDressers is looking for volunteers who will travel to clients’ homes to take measurements for window inserts. These types of appointments can help identify areas of client homes that may have preventable drafts and help to save money on their heating and cooling costs! WindowDressers has a variety of volunteer opportunities that range from initial visits to measure inserts/price a project to coordinating the work and recruiting additional volunteers for a Community Build. There is even an opportunity to help secure food donations for these volunteer-led projects.
- Southern Maine Health Center
SMHC is seeking individuals to assist and aid patients in the Elder Life Program! This program provides specific care to patients over age 70 with volunteers ready to assist in a variety of focus areas. Help by visiting, feeding, participating in activities, exercises, promoting relaxation, and much more! This would be the ideal fit for a volunteer who is empathetic with good communication skills and interest (or experience) in working with older adults!
If your passion is to help people and you are motivated to turn your passion into action, contact SMAA’s Volunteer Services at volunteer@smaaa.org or (207) 396-6595 to learn more about our volunteer opportunities!
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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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