news from the Cabinet on Aging:
the COmmunity Connector Program

The Cabinet on Aging has some exciting news this month! I hope you all saw the  Governor's announcement of a $2.5 million funding opportunity intended to support and elevate the work you do in your communities to connect people to resources and increase social engagement. This initiative, called Community Connections, is through the Cabinet in partnership with the University of Maine Center on Aging. Most of the funding will benefit Lifelong communities through training development, volunteer stipends, and mini grants. It also increases capacity at the Area Agencies on Aging to strengthen relationships and better partner with Lifelong communities so that we are all not working separately in different siloes across state, regional, and local levels.

What does this include?

A key piece of the project is to support community-based navigation programming in about 10-12 communities across the state. Pilot communities will be supported through technical assistance, training, volunteer stipends, and program costs to help connect people to available resources in their communities or through other sources. It is well known that people find it difficult to know where to go for information and who or what to ask, and that people turn to sources they trust.

What about other communities?

For those communities that may not be able to pursue this type of programming, the Cabinet is establishing a mini-grant process to support work that aligns with the Cabinet’s goals and objectives. The criteria will be developed over the coming months and be made available at a future date. 

When does this start?

The State is in the process of contracting and work will begin in the next few months. This funding is one-time federal dollars and must be spent by March 2025, so we have no time to waste! 

Are you interested in learning more about the Community Connector Program? Elizabeth will join us to describe this exciting opportunity. Click here to register