news from the Cabinet on Aging
Elizabeth Gattine
Winter Greetings from the Cabinet on Aging!
This month, I am providing a few updates from the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF), which houses the Cabinet on Aging. First, Maine’s Office of New Americans (ONA) has now launched. Proposed by the Governor and approved by the Maine Legislature, ONA is charged with making Maine a home of opportunity for all, strengthening our workforce, enhancing the vibrancy of our communities, and building a strong economy. ONA sits within GOPIF and is led by Tarlan Ahmadov. Tarlan served as state refugee coordinator with Catholic Charities Maine for many years and more recently, as director of the Division of Programs at Maine DOL's Bureau of Employment Services.
An overarching goal of ONA is ensuring that Maine is effectively incorporating immigrants into its workforce and communities to strengthen the economy over the long-term. Improving how Maine connects New Americans to employers is among several key strategies to addressing the state's workforce needs. ONA’s initial priorities include building workforce pathways and entrepreneurship support for immigrants, improving coordination among organizations supporting immigrants, and expanding and strengthening English language acquisition opportunities. ONA is guided by a 19-member Advisory Council appointed by the Governor and legislative leadership.
ONA launched a new website as of February 14, 2025, available in seven different languages. It includes relevant information about ONA and its activities, plus a list of resources which are searchable by county and organization. Please check it out and sign up for updates if interested!
Also, GOPIF just released the first Annual Report on Ending Hunger in Maine that summarizes work across the state to create a Maine free from hunger. This work is facilitated by GOPIF’s Senior Anti-Hunger Policy Advisor, Sydney Brown, in collaboration with state agencies, organizations, advocates, and people with lived experience, using Maine’s Roadmap to End Hunger as a guide. More information on this priority initiative is available here.
As always, the Cabinet thanks you for all that you do! Feel free to reach out to me at Elizabeth.Gattine@maine.gov with questions or suggestions.