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CLIENT-CENTERED INCLUSION AND EQUITY IS
AN ONGOING COMMITMENT |
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The SAGECare Silver credentials given to organizations whose staff and leadership has increased their cultural competency about the LGBT aging population |
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We have been asked why we prioritize DEI - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work – if Maine is not a very diverse state. On the surface, maybe this is true - according to the 2020 US Census, only about 7% of Mainers identified their race as other than "white, non-Hispanic".
Recognizing the diversity of our communities and making a commitment to provide more equitable and inclusive services and programs is more than skin-deep. When we disaggregated the demographic data, we were able to see better how the intersection of age, disability, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, indigenous group membership, nationality, and gender could possibly impact one’s needs – knowledge of utmost importance to deliver impactful services and programs. Our DEI work is led by our goal to meet our clients where they are.
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- For some that means translating flyers and handouts about our services in their native languages (currently in six of the most spoken languages in Maine, after English) and teaching Tai Chi through multilingual translation.
- For others, that means connecting through foods that are familiar to them – be it our halal meals for Meals on Wheels clients or the culturally diverse foods in some of the restaurants participating in our As You Like It program.
- To connect with folks who haven’t heard about us - we partner with sources of information they trust, like Amjambo Africa and the weekly bulletins of some of the Catholic Parishes in southern Maine.
- At the same time, SMAA staff and volunteers regularly participate in trainings that help us increase our cultural competency when working with diverse clients, utilize more inclusive language, and improve our hiring practices to ensure that we’re a welcoming and inclusive organization for everyone we engage with.
A Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee comprised of staff, volunteers, and members of our Board of Directors is our mirror for how we are doing – are we keeping inclusion and equity front and center, and how do we demonstrate our impact over time?
From staff trainings to multilingual programming, to listening to the needs of our communities, our DEI work has one major goal - that every client feels valued, respected, and safe when working with SMAA. Inclusion and equity will remain an ongoing commitment for us.
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SERVING DIVERSE COMMUNITIES |
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SMAA Services in Other Languages
The translations include our "Circle of Safety" (featured here translated in Portuguese) - an overview of our services; a one-pager with information about the assistance and referrals we provide; and a description of the Meals on Wheels program. The number of translations continues to grow and now includes:
- Arabic
- French
- Kinyarwanda
- Portuguese
- Spanish
- Vietnamese
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Volunteers Needed to Assist Newly Arrived Refugees with Groceries
SMAA's RSVP Station, the
HIAS Refugee Resettlement Program at the Jewish Community Alliance seeks volunteers to assist with grocery shopping for refugees.
Volunteers can support newly arrived refugee families in two ways:
- Pre-Arrival Grocery Shopping: Volunteers will pick up groceries to ensure that the refrigerator is full when a new refugee family arrives in Maine. Cash and a grocery list are provided to the volunteer, and food will be delivered to the Jewish Community Alliance at 1342 Congress Street, Portland.
- Recurring Grocery Shopping (with Refugees): Support a refugee family by taking them grocery shopping every week. The volunteer will be provided with cash, a grocery list, and information about the cultural background of the family. The schedule is flexible and based on volunteer availability. This is a simple, yet crucial role to help the refugee family adapt to life in Maine, as they will look to volunteers for guidance during the grocery shopping experience.
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BUILDING SOCIAL CONNECTIONS |
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YOU ARE INVITED:
South Portland Community Cafe! |
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- Sanford and South Portland meal sites are piloting an activity box project.
There will be a monthly activity available for our home-bound Meals on Wheels clients with the goal to connect them virtually to discuss their projects and socialize.
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Adult Day Program
at the Sam L. Cohen Center
The Adult Day Program at the Sam L. Cohen Center is for adults with different forms of dementia.
The noticeable changes in the Program members - from improved mood to increased level of activity and social engagement - have been expressed on multiple occasions by both members and their care partners. Come visit the Adult Day Program! |
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PUTTING THE CLIENT AT THE CENTER |
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Maine $850 Relief Checks
Most Maine residents will start receiving their $850 Relief Checks in June. Eligibility is based on residents who file a 2021 Maine income tax return by October 31, 2022.
People receiving Social Security who do not typically file tax returns will have to file to receive a payment. Find more information on how you can apply for the Relief Check. |
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MEALS-TO-GO Provided by Scarborough Community Services
Adults 60+ can get 3 pre-cooked freezer meals to enjoy for a suggested donation of $10.
Register with Scarborough Community Services at (207) 730-4173. Pick up is at the Community Services Hub on 418 Payne Rd from 12:30 -1:30 pm. Next pick up dates are:
- Thurs. July 21 (Register by 4pm, July 13)
- Thurs. August 25 (Register by 4pm, Aug 17)
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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 located on SMAA's website?
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Key Takeaways from the First Meeting of The Exchange
Over 70 people gathered to meet and connect with others who work to improve the health and well-being of older adults in Cumberland and York Counties during the first networking meeting of The Exchange: Southern Maine Alliance for Older Adults in May 2022.
Some of the key takeaways from this inaugural event:
1. Connection: Participants found connection and collaboration by coming together for an hour of discussion. There is a desire to share information about resources among organizations.
2. There are major challenges facing our region: We see the challenges and issues impacting the quality of life of older Mainers.
Participants broke into different discussion groups to address five of these issues:
- Transportation
- Social Connections
- Funding and Access to Resources/Services
- Staffing
- Housing/Facility Availability
Join us on July 27th at noon for our second meeting to continue building the momentum in our conversation and actionable ideas to improve the quality of life of older adults in southern Maine.
Location: Stay tuned for details!
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Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon Hightlights
Volunteer Services held the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at the Italian Heritage Center in Portland.
The event was a tremendous success and recognized volunteers across all SMAA programs!
The event included a video showcasing the impact of SMAA volunteers (see below) and a recognition of the importance of volunteers in realizing SMAA's mission by Megan Walton, CEO. Volunteers who have gone above in beyond in their service received an award. Among them, in addition to the award, Barbara Bean (picture below left) was recognized with a thank you letter from Congresswoman Chellie Pingree for her volunteer work past the age of 103! Volunteers were invited to share their stories about volunteering with SMAA, which brought extra excitement to the event.
Volunteer Services looks forward to hosting more events like this on an annual basis!
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Follow us on Facebook to see more images and read volunteer stories |
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CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Our RSVP/Volunteer Services has partnered with several organizations in need of volunteers:
- Jewish Community Alliance Refugee Resettlement Program - various opportunities including grocery shopping (see Serving Diverse Communities section) and transportation
- Red Cross of Northern New England - various positions
- Window Dressers - Community Builds opportunities in York & Biddeford area
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WE ARE HIRING:
As part of the SMAA team, you will have the opportunity to work side by side with staff who are dedicated and passionate about the well-being of older adults, adults with disabilities, and the people who care for them.
- Resource Specialist
- Per Diem Recreation Assistant at the Adult Day Program
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EVENTS FROM OUR PARTNERS:
Age-Friendly Freeport & Pownal and Freeport Community Services:
- Berry Nice July Special on July 19th
- Guided Walks - different dates for different locations
For more information on the guided tours, visit fcsmaine.org or contact Cathy Cryvoff at 207-865-3985 x 222 or ccryvoff@fcsmaine.org
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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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