Unfulfilled social needs play a crucial role in influencing health outcomes. However, many programs aimed at linking individuals to services lack full integration with social activities that enable people to spend time with neighbors and friends, maintaining the level of community engagement they desire. We also know that many people are unaware of available resources and services and are not sure where to go for help or information. Community Connectors will be people who live in the community and know it well. As trusted neighbors, Community Connectors will not only help people find what they need to thrive but will make it more comfortable to accept help or to participate in social opportunities.
The work in each Community Connector Pilot site will be community driven. It will reflect the assets available, be embedded in the ongoing priorities of the age-friendly or lifelong community team, and build on a trusted relationship with the municipality and other partners.
Up to three pilot sites within the service area of each of Maine’s five Area Agencies on Aging will be selected. Community Connectors will receive training and support for their role from the Lifelong Maine team and will collaborate closely with the designated Community Ambassador from their Area Agency on Aging. Each Area Agency on Aging has appointed a Community Ambassador to connect with the municipalities in their region and to provide extra support for the pilot sites based on community needs.
With support from UMaine and their local age-friendly team, the Community Connector will identify local services and social events, familiarize themselves with the programs and services provided by regional service providers, and receive training to assist individuals in completing applications for local, regional, and statewide programs. Pilot sites will recruit their Community Connector before August 15 so that the necessary background check can be completed before the launch of the program in September. Community Connectors will receive a stipend of $20,000 for a one-year, 20-hour/week commitment to the program ($10,000 for a 10-hour/week commitment).
Each pilot site will be eligible to receive grant funding to cover infrastructure and operational expenses associated with participation in the pilot (e.g., a computer for the Community Connector, cost of Internet access, notepad or computer for residents accessing services, printing costs, privacy booths).
Community Connectors will receive extensive training on topics such as boundaries, confidentiaility, working with older residents who are living with mental illness, dementia inclusion, working with volunteers, advocacy, etc. The training will start with an all-day, in-person meeting on September 05 that will include Community Connectors and their local supervisors as well as the Community Ambassadors.
Note: This is a one-year project. Communities that participate are only guaranteed funding for one year. We will work with you to develop sustainability but we only have funding for one year.
Community Readiness Criteria
Core leadership team that directs the age-friendly community work
Completion of a plan that is guiding age-friendly
Commitment to expand capacity to connect older residents with resources
Ongoing communication with residents, the municipality, & other partners
Experience building partnerships and openness to form new collaborations
Commitment to Community Connector Program
Capacity to develop a job description and work plan, recruit a community connector, and interview candidates to confirm a good fit for the role and the community
Commitment to welcome a community connector from a diverse ethnic, cultural, or socio-economic background reflective of your community
Capacity to orient the community connector to local resources and people who can help the connector identify additional resources
Commitment to create a work plan in line with your mission and action plan
Capacity to provide support and supervision for the Community Connector
Ability to identify a physical space for the Connector to meet with residents
Characteristics of the Community Connector
A high degree of initiative, independence, and tenacity
Lifelong learner committed to participate in the orientation and trainings
Outstanding organizational skills & ability to prioritize competing demands
Strong oral and written communication skills; comfortable communicating by phone, in-person, and electronically
Comfort using technology and willing to learn new computer applications
Team player who works well in a group setting
Compassionate listener who respects privacy and maintains healthy boundaries
Comfortable connecting residents to resources
Leadership skills, including adaptability to changing situations or needs
Understanding of community diversity and commitment to being inclusive
Ability to diffuse conflict
Please reach out to Patricia Oh (patricia.oh@maine.edu) to set up a meeting to discuss your goals for participation and explore how the pilot opportunity can build on the work you have started.