Community Connector Spotlight:
Age-Friendly COastal Communities
Suzie Nutbrown

A Community Connector with Lived Experience

At the heart of the project is Community Connector Suzie Nutbrown, a Master of Public Health student with a deep interest in aging in place. In her position, Suzie is focused on strengthening the foundation of volunteer recruitment, training, and support for Bridging Neighbors. 

Suzie’s journey into the position is a story of organic growth: she began as a Bridging Neighbors volunteer while researching aging-related topics and quickly found her niche at Healthy Peninsula. Her experience in the field has proven invaluable. She’s been where new volunteers are, has faced the complexities of helping clients, and understands the heart behind the mission. “Optimism is really important,” she says. “Even when you find a barrier to something, be optimistic that there's a better solution around the corner.”

Volunteer Engagement: What Works

One of the key successes this spring was the recruitment and training of six new Bridging Neighbors volunteers. This wasn’t just a win in numbers — the success lay in how the training was delivered. Thoughtful and practical, the sessions emphasized real-life scenarios, communication strategies, and resource knowledge. Most importantly, the training clarified the importance of meeting people where they are and addressing their priorities, not the priorities we might think they should have.

Equally important are the regular volunteer meetings, which Suzie and the team have shaped to be as interactive and volunteer-centered as possible. “We’ve learned that giving volunteers space to talk, to share what they’re dealing with, really strengthens the group,” she explains. The meetings aren’t just updates — they’re a forum for building relationships, problem-solving, and fostering connection.

Recruiting with Intention

Recruitment for Bridging Neighbors goes beyond putting out a call for help. The role is unique — not everyone is suited to navigate the emotional, logistical, and sometimes frustrating support needs of older adults. But the project team has learned to lean into the strengths of potential volunteers.

Word of mouth and outreach have proven particularly effective. A board member’s spouse joined after hearing about the program at home. A volunteer brought a friend into the fold. The program also hosted a volunteer information session over the winter. Other volunteers bring special skills — from digital savvy to construction know-how — that can be directly applied to client needs.

Flexibility has also become a key feature. Recognizing that volunteers have full lives, the program allows for periods of time off without losing momentum. Whether someone is heading out of town or needs to step back, there's room for that — and they can return to a supportive, welcoming community.

Incorporating Fall Risk Reduction

Another way the program is expanding its impact is through the integration of a Fall Risk Reduction initiative. Joanna Bentley, former Community Connector and physical therapist by training, developed a practical toolkit to help assess fall risk and identify functional changes that can improve safety in clients’ homes. She also trained volunteers—including Suzie—on how to effectively use the toolkit during their visits. “It’s about paying attention to the little things,” Suzie explains. “We’ve done all kinds of things—installing grab bars, adding bed rails, or even placing a couple of cushions on a chair to make it easier to get up. Now I know more about what to look for.” These small but significant adjustments can significantly reduce the risk of falls, helping older adults remain safely in their homes.

Check out these General Tips for Home Fall Prevention or explore the full Fall Risk Reduction Toolkit.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

As the Community Connector Pilot Project moves forward, the focus is on expanding the volunteer network and better understanding the barriers clients face. Suzie and the team are learning how to creatively navigate limited local resources—like finding tradespeople or cobbling together different funding sources—while continuing to recruit volunteers who are both compassionate and resilient. With a growing team and a flexible, solutions-oriented approach, the project is building a stronger, more connected community.

Read more about the AFCC here.