Community Partners support
Lifelong Communities
At a recent meeting, age-friendly community leaders and advocates were asked to talk about partnerships that have benefited their age-friendly/lifelong community work.
Community Clean Up in Dover-Foxcroft with Living Innovations
Stina Brazelton from Age-Friendly Berwick, told of a new partnership with their local American Legion Post. Together, they are creating an Aging Well Resource Center.
Betsy Martin from Age-Friendly Biddeford sang the praises of the technical supervisor at the McArthur Library who helped them develop their website, as well as the other branding materials they needed. Betsy also spoke of the partnership with the Biddeford Police Department. Recently, the Community Outreach officer gave a presentation about fraud, using local statistics. Yes, it can happen here. This year, they will partner with A-F Saco to repeat that presentation to the larger community.
And, further up the coast, Lori Johnson of the A-F Coastal Communities group, told of a resident who was helping her by introducing her and her program to community members. This is also helping with volunteer recruitment.
In Dover-Foxcroft, Tami Cox of A-F Dover-Foxcroft, spoke of their partnership with Living Innovations. Tami said that this enables her group to help residents with their gardens, yardwork, snow removal, and other tasks. They also sponsor luncheons.
From Age-Friendly Limestone, Sharon Berz told of the businesses in nearby Caribou have helped them with several initiatives, including Lowes and Trombley Industries. Small businesses that are members of the Rotary also like to lend a hand—delivering sand buckets with the Boy Scouts.
From Madison, Randy Bliss told about a partnership with KVCAP (Kennebec Valley Community Action Program) that provided monthly rides to Hannaford for residents of the senior housing unit from April to December.
Renee Wheaton, Coordinator for Age-Friendly Mount Washington Valley said that her group, with funding from an AARP Community Challenge grant, have supplied over 220 backpacks and related emergency prep items to residents in the Mount Washington valley.
To explore ideas about developing great partnerships, visit Lifelong Maine’s partnership guide.