Community Connector Pilot

WHY DEVELOP A LOCAL COMMUNITY CONNECTOR ROLE?

Unfulfilled social needs play a crucial role in influencing health outcomes. However, many programs aimed at linking individuals to services lack full integration with social activities that enable people to spend time with neighbors and friends, maintaining the level of community engagement they desire. We also know that many people are unaware of available resources and services and are not sure where to go for help or information. Community Connectors will be people who live in the community and know it well. As trusted neighbors, Community Connectors will not only help people find what they need to thrive but will make it more comfortable to accept help or to participate in social opportunities.

The work in each Community Connector Pilot site will be community driven. It will reflect the assets available, be embedded in the ongoing priorities of the age-friendly or lifelong community team, and build on a trusted relationship with the municipality and other partners.

HOW WILL THE PILOT BE STRUCTURED?

Up to three pilot sites within the service area of each of Maine’s five Area Agencies on Aging will be selected. Community Connectors will receive training and support for their role from the Lifelong Maine team and will collaborate closely with the designated Community Ambassador from their Area Agency on Aging. Each Area Agency on Aging has appointed a Community Ambassador to connect with the municipalities in their region and to provide extra support for the pilot sites based on community needs.

With support from UMaine and their local age-friendly team, the Community Connector will identify local services and social events, familiarize themselves with the programs and services provided by regional service providers, and receive training to assist individuals in completing applications for local, regional, and statewide programs. Pilot sites will recruit their Community Connector before August 15 so that the necessary background check can be completed before the launch of the program in September. Community Connectors will receive a stipend of $20,000 for a one-year, 20-hour/week commitment to the program ($10,000 for a 10-hour/week commitment). 

Each pilot site will be eligible to receive grant funding to cover infrastructure and operational expenses associated with participation in the pilot (e.g., a computer for the Community Connector, cost of Internet access, notepad or computer for residents accessing services, printing costs, privacy booths).

Community Connectors will receive extensive training on topics such as boundaries, confidentiaility, working with older residents who are living with mental illness, dementia inclusion, working with volunteers, advocacy, etc. The training will start with an all-day, in-person meeting on September 05 that will include Community Connectors and their local supervisors as well as the Community Ambassadors. 

Note: This is a one-year project. Communities that participate are only guaranteed funding for one year. We will work with you to develop sustainability but we only have funding for one year. 

WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM PILOT SITE COMMUNITIES?

Community Readiness Criteria

Commitment to Community Connector Program

Characteristics of the Community Connector

Ready to Learn More?

Please reach out to Patricia Oh (patricia.oh@maine.edu) to set up a meeting to discuss your goals for participation and explore how the pilot opportunity can build on the work you have started.