Age-Friendly Sullivan receives
AARP Maine's 2023 Beacon Community Award

Lifelong Communities News congratulates one of its own! The Beacon Community Award recognizes local organizations that foster bright and inclusive spaces to actively engage their community members.  Age-Friendly Sullivan has earned the honor of joining our two prior winners--Age-Friendly Saco and Danforth Livable Communities.

Since its inception in 2018, Age-Friendly Sullivan, an all volunteer network of residents who collaborate with numerous partner organizations, has had a vision to be  “a compassionate community of neighbors supporting / welcoming young and aging residents to thrive in a sustainable Sullivan.”  

Coordinated by Candy Eaton, volunteers have created and continue to support many initiatives designed to enable residents of all ages to thrive in their own homes and participate in community activities. 

In 5 short years, Age-Friendly Sullivan volunteers have developed and enacted a wealth of programming. From Clean-up Day to improved trails, to home modification programs to their Circle of Friends birthday card program, Sullivan residents know they are welcomed, thought of, and included in all aspects of civic engagement! 

An organization that does NOT want to “reinvent the wheel”, Age-Friendly Sullivan has also built strong partnerships with existing community organizations who trust and support their vision while also being willing to share their success and challenges with all of us in the Lifelong Communities efforts! We have all benefited from Candy’s wisdom, wit, and endless energy!

While the focus is Sullivan, Age-Friendly Sullivan welcomes residents and visitors in neighboring communities to join in community events, attend the monthly meetings and programs, and learn how other communities can become Age-Friendly, Lifelong Communities!  

Well done team Sullivan we are so proud of all you have accomplished! You set a strong example for next year's Beacon Award winner to follow. 

If you have any questions about becoming an age-friendly, lifelong community, email us - lifelong@maine.edu.