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Community Connector Spotlight:
The Community Connector Pilot is part of the Community Connections project, a signature initiative of the Governor's Cabinet on Aging, partnering with the University of Maine Center on Aging, Lifelong Maine's Age-Friendly Communities, and Maine's Area Agencies on Aging.
The goal of the Community Connector Pilots is to expand resource connections and increase the capacity of age-friendly communities to connect residents to the services and programs they need to thrive. Each of the 12 pilot projects built on the strengths and needs in their community so each is a little different.
Each month, the Lifelong Maine news will highlight one of the 14 Community Connectors working in the 12 Community Connector pilot sites. To learn more about all of the pilots, visit Community Connector Pilot Sites. This month, we shine a light on Erica Bell-Watkins, Age-Friendly Windham Community Connector.
Riders of Age Friendly Windham's Weekly Shopping Trip.
Windham, a town of 18,000 just 10 miles northwest of Portland, is all about making sure people of all ages and abilities can live well and feel connected. Age-Friendly Windham (AFW) which started as a committee of community volunteers and town staff, has grown into an established town program, committed to partnering with local and regional organizations, expanding services, and advocating for infrastructure improvements that enhance residents' quality of life.
Windham, a town of 18,000 just 10 miles northwest of Portland, is all about making sure people of all ages and abilities can live well and feel connected. Age-Friendly Windham (AFW) which started as a committee of community volunteers and town staff, has grown into an established town program, committed to partnering with local and regional organizations, expanding services, and advocating for infrastructure improvements that enhance residents' quality of life.
Last fall, AFW joined the Community Connector (CC) project as a pilot site, launching an effort to boost emergency preparedness, social and other critical programs. Leading the work is Erica Bell-Watkins, Windham’s Age-Friendly Coordinator and Community Connector. Since joining AFW in May 2023, Erica has been working on ways to make Windham more accessible and connected.
Strengthening Emergency Preparedness
Recent storms in December 2023 and April 2024 made it clear that many residents weren’t fully prepared for extended power outages, and Windham’s Fire Chief raised concerns about older adults facing multi-day storms without generators, water, or food. Recognizing the need for better support, town staff saw an opportunity to step in and strengthen Windham’s emergency response efforts. Thanks to the CC pilot, AFW has been able to bring together key players—including the Police and Fire Departments and Communications staff—to create a more age- and resource-friendly emergency plan.
To better understand what the community needs, an emergency preparedness survey was distributed in late 2024. The survey, shared at polling places, on the town website, and at events, got over 150 responses. View Windham’s survey template.
An exciting next step will be distributing a first round of 100 emergency preparedness Go-Bags this spring. These bags will include must-have items like battery-operated radios with flashlights and chargers, blankets, batteries, first aid kits, water purification tablets, hand sanitizer, and document bags. Plus, Erica and her team have put together an Emergency Preparedness Guide to help residents respond with confidence during disaster event.
Expanding Services & Building Partnerships
Beyond emergency preparedness, the CC project has helped expand several important programs:
More Transportation Options – In 2024, Windham’s transportation service provided over 200 rides to 60 clients for medical appointments and social activities. Now, AFW is working on getting even more people on board, with a goal of doubling ridership.
Bridging the Digital Divide – Partnering with the Windham Public Library and the National Digital Equity Center, AFW launched Techno Wednesdays, offering workshops on topics like cyber fraud, telehealth, email basics, and digital device assistance.
Nourish Your Body and Mind – This community meal and educational series gives residents a chance to gather, learn, and connect. Topics have included housing solutions like Nesterly homesharing and winter resources. The program partners with groups like Southern Maine Agency on Aging, AARP, Maine Housing, Sebago Lakes Fuller Center on Housing, and Efficiency Maine to share valuable resources.
Partner info tables as part of a "Nose to Toes" educational event.
A bustling Age Friendly Windham/Parks & Rec Thanksgiving Luncheon.
Getting the Word Out
One of the biggest wins from the CC project has been simply making sure more people know about available programs. Erica’s approach has been all about collaboration—working with local organizations to get the word out and make sure residents can easily access services.
“Since starting the Community Connect pilot in September, I’ve been able to dedicate more time to outreach and building partnerships,” Erica says. “As a result, more people know about AFW’s programs and resources, and that’s a huge step forward.”
Looking Ahead
As the CC pilot moves forward, Windham is focused on securing long-term funding to keep these programs running. A major milestone was Erica’s appointment to the Ad Hoc Middle School Repurposing Committee, showing that town leaders recognize the importance of age-friendly services. Plus, the town manager’s FY26 budget includes a proposal to make Erica’s position permanent, ensuring these efforts continue well into the future.
With continued collaboration and investment, Windham is on the right track to becoming an even stronger, more connected, and resilient community for all its residents.
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