Community COnnectors -
northern and Central Aroostook

We were thrilled to be selected as one of the Community Connector Pilot Sites.  Our program is part of the Center for the Advancement of Rural Living (CARL) a 501C-3 nonprofit based in Caribou.  We were extremely fortunate to recruit two experienced individuals to lead our program, both who have worked with older adults for many years. We have several goals for the Community Connectors. 

We want to bring older adults together for socialization and we do this by sponsoring our ‘Community Table’ bringing older adults to our local VFW Hall for a free lunch, music and information.  Nearly 200 have attended our Community Table since we established it three months ago.  At this event we are able to promote our different programs and provide information on various resources.

A second goal of our program is to help older adults access services through our ‘Navigator’ program. Our Connectors have recruited a number of retired healthcare professionals, nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers,who accept referrals from various sources identifying older adults who are struggling. The Navigator will visit with the older adult and assess what their needs are.  They will advocate for the individual and help them make it through the maze of our complex healthcare system.  They will make phone calls, attend doctor’s appointments, meet with family, and will not let the individual feel like they are alone in seeking needed services.  We have partnered with our local hospital and family medicine program to encourage referrals and our volunteer navigators are very busy.

Our connectors have also partnered with our ‘Age Friendly Caribou’ program.  We align with the programs goal to spark laughter and joy among community members and work with older adults to improve their skills with new technology and reduce the fear associated with AI. This is part of our effort  to collaborate with multiple organizations to identify additional resources we can bring to our work. We believe it is only with such collaboration that we can address the significant needs of older adults in our large service area here in Aroostook County.  Our long term goal is to help those that we serve to ‘age in place’ and fill in gaps related to home safety, food insecurity, isolation, transportation, and health maintenance.  We have found the need to be very great. 

Community Connectors - Dottie Sines and Marie St Pierre