Jean Saunders and age-friendly Saco recognized with 2024 Douglas wilson rising tide award

Jean Saunders of Age-Friendly Saco is the 2024 recipient of the Douglas O. Wilson Rising Tide Leadership Award.

Southern Maine Agency on Aging and Community Health Options partner to “recognize and celebrate the sustained efforts of people who lift and inspire others to implement innovative solutions to challenges faced by older Mainers through collaborative partnerships, shared leadership and/or community building initiatives”.

“For nearly a decade, Jean Saunders has inspired hundreds of volunteers to take impressive action to build one of Maine’s most advanced and effective lifelong communities, Age Friendly Saco, making it possible for older people to remain in Saco as they age.  

“She has been a tireless mentor to so many other community leaders starting in or struggling with this work.  She is relentless in her efforts to build effective partnerships to implement solutions to thorny problems like housing and transportation.  We honor her for her vision and tenacity in helping to establish a home sharing program in Maine, Nesterly.  Whether helping older people access the beach or use technology to stay safer at home, she has inspired us all by showing us what’s possible.”   

In accepting the award, Jean was, as always, quick to share the credit.

“This recognition is not just a personal honor but it symbolizes the collective effort of an incredible team at Age Friendly Saco and the unwavering support of our community. Though I never had the honor of knowing Doug Wilson, I am moved by his relentless commitment to improving the lives of older adults.  His pioneering spirit and dedication have inspired many of us to forge new paths in our communities. It is our hope to carry forward that legacy, honoring his vision by advocating for a world where everyone, regardless of age, can thrive.”

Well done, Age-Friendly Saco!