Age-Friendly Pioneers - Saco,
A Journey from 2017 - 2025

In 2017, Saco, Maine, embarked on a transformative journey to become an Age-Friendly Community, building on the momentum established by the Saco City Council’s 2016 goal to secure an AARP grant for this purpose. This initiative aimed to make Saco a “Community for a Lifetime,” fostering an environment where older adults could thrive through enhanced health, engagement, and safety. By joining the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities ,  Saco laid the groundwork for a collaborative effort involving community organizations, volunteers, and city officials. The mission was clear: optimize resources to help residents age in place while addressing unmet needs through innovative programs.

The early years focused on assessing community needs and establishing foundational programs. One of the first major projects in 2018 was to make Saco’s only public beach accessible. This was accomplished through the acquisition of Mobi-mats placed on the public beach  that serve the Saco community to this day. New  partnerships  were formed with local entities, including the Saco Fire Department and Public Works, which supported initiatives like the Knox HomeBox program for emergency access and the Sand Buckets for Seniors program for winter safety.

By 2018, Age-Friendly Saco became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, strengthening its organizational structure with a Board of Directors. This allowed the group to secure  additional grants, which funded the expansion of services. A notable achievement was the creation of a fully accessible community garden at the Community Center, fostering intergenerational collaboration between older adults and schoolchildren. The Handy Neighbor program also emerged, providing free minor home repairs to help seniors stay in their homes safely.

From 2020 to 2022, Age-Friendly Saco expanded its transportation offerings, addressing a critical need identified through community focus groups. In 2022, a medical ride service was launched, followed by the Saco Mobility Shuttle in 2023. This door-to-door shuttle service provides seniors aged 60 and older with access to grocery stores, libraries, and the  community center which is enhancing community engagement  and independence. The shuttle’s launch was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a milestone in the organization’s growth.

By 2024, Age-Friendly Saco introduced the Community Connections project, a statewide initiative backed by a $1.6 million American Rescue Plan Act investment. This program, in collaboration with the University of Maine Center on Aging and local partners like the Southern Maine Agency on Aging, aimed to connect older adults with essential services, including the Medicare Savings Program and home assessments. The project emphasized social engagement and service navigation, reinforcing Saco’s commitment to inclusivity.

In 2025, Age-Friendly Saco continues to thrive, recognized by AARP for completing a cycle of improvement. With over 144 volunteers and robust partnerships, the organization has expanded services like the Technology Handy-Helpers and  Volunteer Driver programs as well as a new monthly meals program served at the local Elks Club. 

Age Friendly Saco also worked closely with the Planning Department for the City of Saco to create The Accessory Dwelling Unit guidebook which further supports seniors downsizing or aging in place.

Age-Friendly Saco’s evolution from a fledgling initiative to a cornerstone of community support exemplifies its vision of creating a vibrant, inclusive community for all ages.