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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 Misty Gleason, Age-Friendly Sullivan's Community Connector.
Age-Friendly Sullivan, a long-time leader in lifelong community work, is engaging the community in new ways under their Community Connections (CC) Pilot Project. Part of the Age-Friendly Network since 2018, Sullivan’s CC project focuses on fostering an inclusive, supportive, and age-friendly environment within Sullivan and neighboring communities in the Schoodic area.
Community Connector Misty Gleason develops activities, identifies resources, and connects older residents with services that enhance the quality of life for older adults. She’s leaning into collaborations with partners and residents.
Candy Eaton, Age- Friendly Sullivan Coordinator, said “Any community that is working toward a goal of becoming more age-friendly, is therefore also building connections and reducing risk for social isolation and loneliness. As an ad-hoc all volunteer committee, Age-Friendly Sullivan is truly grateful for Misty’s skills and desire to support and engage all residents through this new Community Connector position.”
Developing New Resources
Starting in September, Misty’s first objective has been to develop a Trades Guide, a curated list of trades people like carpenters, electricians, HVAC technicians, snow removal crews, cleaning services, who offer much-needed services.
Misty said, “The number one reason people contact us is to find someone to help them with projects. As our goal is to help people age at home comfortably and in safe environments, we consider the Trades Guide to be equally beneficial as our Age- Friendly Resource Guide has been for care services.”
To make sure people are linked to all of the resources they need, Misty holds regular office hours at the Sullivan Town Office.
Creating the Trades Guide
To develop the Guide, Misty reached out to over 100 trades people, with over 70 being listed in the Guide. “Beginning with internet research, I considered reviews and had to contact each potential trades person because many were out of business or unwilling to be added for referral because they are too busy. It was important to know that the service would be available to consider inquiries in a timely manner. Once my online research was complete, I turned to the locals! I called each of my candidates and asked if they were aware of others I should consider and they often gave recommendations of those we can trust. I called residents and inquired who had been helpful to them in the past. All along, I enjoyed making contact with more and more individuals who can be support systems in our community.”
A Passion for Outreach
Candy and Misty make a dynamic team, each bringing unique strengths to the table. With Candy’s deep roots in the community and experience with Age-Friendly Sullivan, she takes the lead on much of the planning and development of the initiative. Misty brings a real passion for community outreach and engagement - and is moving Sullivan’s plans forward quickly! Whether building connections and relationships at the Town Office, tabling at the fall vaccination clinic or doing direct phone outreach, she’s getting people involved.
Looking Ahead
Age-Friendly Sullivan’s pilot project is just gearing up and they have many exciting plans ahead, including outreach to 80 veterans with Veterans Day cards and a flyer highlighting Special Deals for Your Service. They are looking forward to a Music Therapy presentation in November and are working to engage more people in social activities throughout the winter.
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