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).

WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM PILOT SITE COMMUNITIES?

Community Readiness Criteria

• Core leadership team that directs the age-friendly community work

• Completion of a plan that is guiding age-friendly 

• Commitment to expand capacity to connect older residents with resources

• Ongoing communication with residents, the municipality, & other partners

• Experience building partnerships and openness to form new collaborations

Commitment to Community Connector Program

• Capacity to develop a job description and work plan, recruit a community connector, and interview candidates to confirm a good fit for the role and the community

• Commitment to welcome a community connector from a diverse ethnic, cultural, or socio-economic background reflective of your community

• Capacity to orient the community connector to local resources and people who can help the connector identify additional resources

• Commitment to create a work plan in line with your mission and action plan

• Capacity to provide support and supervision for the Community Connector

• Ability to identify a physical space for the Connector to meet with residents

Characteristics of the Community Connector

• A high degree of initiative, independence, and tenacity

• Lifelong learner committed to participate in the orientation and trainings

• Outstanding organizational skills & ability to prioritize competing demands

• Strong oral and written communication skills; comfortable communicating by phone, in-person, and electronically

• Comfort using technology and willing to learn new computer applications 

• Team player who works well in a group setting

• Compassionate listener who respects privacy and maintains healthy boundaries

• Comfortable connecting residents to resources

• Leadership skills, including adaptability to changing situations or needs

• Understanding of community diversity and commitment to being inclusive 

• Ability to diffuse conflict 

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.