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Friends, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and staff gathered on a beautiful September afternoon to reflect and talk about what makes us strong individually and even stronger collectively. We came together not only because we believe that we are all #bettertogether but also because we know that when the older members of our communities thrive, we all thrive. Together, we raised $51,000 to directly fund programs and services that support older adults, adults with disabilities, and their care partners.
The event was an opportunity to recognize the importance of our more than 600 volunteers and their efforts, commitment, and the thousands of hours of volunteer work they have devoted to SMAA's mission. From the inspirational message of Bill Hall, SMAA's Advisory Council Chair, through the keynote speaker Beth Stainhorn, President of VQ Strategies, and the recognition of Barbara Bock as SMAA's Volunteer of the Year, we shared stories and mission moments that would not have been possible without our volunteers!
Along with Volunteer of the Year, we awarded Partner of the Year to Catholic Charities Maine Refugee and Immigration Services for their guidance and teaching us how to connect in a culturally respectful way with new Mainers and for their commitment to connecting older refugees with SMAA services and programs that provided them with access to resources, brought them new social connections, and increased their overall well-being.
This year's Charting the Future showed us that the only way to make a difference in the life of the older adults in our communities is when we - volunteers, providers, community partners, businesses, donors, and staff - are charting the future together.
Please, visit the event page to access photos and watch the video recording.
Our fundraising efforts do not conclude with Charting the Future. If you or your organization would like to extend your support for the programs and services we provide, please, visit our donation page to learn about the many different ways you can support SMAA!
Thank you!
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Michael Smith, AmeriCorps CEO, Visited Maine
Southern Maine Agency on Aging Was His First Stop
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Michael Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps, began his visit in Maine with a first stop at the Sam L. Cohen Center in Biddeford. He met with Mary Hadlock, SMAA's Director of Volunteer Services; Barbara Bock, SMAA's Volunteer of the Year; Megan Walton, SMAA CEO; and representatives from our partner organization Opportunity Alliance and Volunteer Maine to discuss volunteer needs and hear first-hand from our volunteers.
Michael Smith toured the Adult Day program and saw how invested our volunteers are in working with the members of the program.
Watch Channel 13 interview with Michael Smith and the tour of the Adult Day Program.
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Our First Memory Cafe Was a Success!
We had our first Memory Cafe on September 13, 2022 at the Sam L. Cohen Center! We sang along to music from our amazing volunteer, Marc Boissenneault, and laughed and chatted over a delicious meal.
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. Join others who walk the same path as you, share some food and laughs, and make new memories!
Our next Memory Cafe event will be on Tuesday, October 11th, 2022 from 11am-1 pm. Register today!
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Art and Music Therapy Grant Brings Artists to the Adult Day Program at the Sam L. Cohen Center
Southern Maine Agency on Aging's Adult Day program at the Sam L. Cohen Center in Biddeford has collaborated with Engine, a Biddeford-based non-profit, which mission is to " connect and inspire our community through art, design, and education." An artist from Engine will come twice a month to work with Adult Day program members. Members will have the opportunity to explore various mediums of art such as painting, collage, and sculpting. The Bingham Program grant has also allowed the Adult Day program to bring performers back for musical entertainment.
Interested in learning more about the Adult Day program or would like to set up a trial visit? Contact us at adultday@smaaa.org or 207-369-6508 |
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New Facebook's Caregiver Support Group for Mainers
About a month ago, we created the Caregiver Support Network- Maine with the hope that we will bring caregivers from all around the state to connect, support, and share resources. The group is private to help members feel more comfortable sharing their stories, pains, and excitements.
If you are a caregiver or you know someone who is, please, share the link to the group so they can join it!
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New As You Like It Location
Chia Sen is the newest restaurant to join our As You Like It dine-out program.
Driven by our mission to reach diverse communities, As You Like It has been expanding its partnerships with local restaurants offering diverse ethnic cuisine. So far, we have Jamaican, Mediterranean, Chinese, and Latin American.
Visit our As You Like It web page to find all locations and learn how to join the program. |
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7 Agewell in-person classes began just last week with close to
80 participants!
Thank you to everyone who contributed to setting up, promoting, and running the classes! It truly showed that we are better together: volunteers, staff, partners, and our clients!
ONE MORE IN-PERSON CLASS LEFT THIS FALL:
A Matter of Balance at the York Public Library
November 16 - December 14, 2022
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1 Day - 3 Community Events at Sagamore Village
October 25, 2022 | 11am- 1pm |
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If you are a community provider working with older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers who live at Sagamore Village and you would like to help them register for the Community Cafe, please, call Fayla Sutton at the Sagamore Village Office at 207-221-8068. Flu Shot Clinic is open to any age. Download to share the flyer. |
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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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Age-Friendly Freeport & Pownal (AFFP)
Freeport Community Services Events
Guided Walks (featured), Cider Sipping, Free Yoga classes, Freeport Fall Festival and many more to list. Head to Freeport Community Services website to see detailed schedule of their events!
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'Enjoy the Ride': Annual York County Elder Abuse Task Force Conference
October 27th, 8:30am - 3:30 pm
Keynote Speaker for our October 27th Conference at the Nonantum Resort!:
Dr Marilyn R. Gugliucci!
+ Other amazing speakers confirmed include:
- Judy Shaw: Retired Maine Office of Securities and Governors EJCP co-chair
- Adam Hartwig: Maine Center for Disease Control
- Jess Gagne-Supervisor:DHHS/APS
- Dr Pete Tilney! DO FACEP, FAAEM EMT-P. Emergency Physician, Medical Director LifeFlight of Maine and Kennebunkport EMS.
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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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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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