At the annual Charting the Future Luncheon on Friday, September 20 at Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland, Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) celebrated the growth of its programs over the last year and its goals to reach more older Mainers and caregivers in the year to come.
“We must provide targeted, culturally relevant services to all older adults,” said SMAA CEO, Megan Walton in her opening remarks. “We must eliminate disparities by working with older adults who have low income, older adults who are residing in very rural areas, who are part of BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, and older adults living alone. Until older adults do not suffer and do not suffer alone we have critical work to do. Older adults and caregivers are counting on us right now to be their community so that they can thrive.”
Thanks to the generosity of SMAA’s match challenge donors, an exciting match challenge was announced. Every gift of $250 or more will be matched. And every gift of $1,000 or more will be double-matched! Click here to make your gift!
In addition to celebrating the work of the agency, the Charting the Future event recognizes the many supporters, volunteers, and partners who are helping to ensure older Mainers and their caregivers live to their fullest potential.
The Community Partner of the Year award was presented to EqualityMaine. “Through their Network for Older Adults and other key programs, EqualityMaine is really living out their mission to create an inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ Mainers through services, education, advocacy, collaboration and community building,” said SMAA Community Outreach Director, Meredith Anderson. “We share a common goal of reducing social isolation and building more opportunities for social connection. We are so very grateful for this partnership.” Executive Director of EqualityMaine, Gia Drew, accepted the award on the organization’s behalf.
Regina Phillips, Co-Founder of Cross Cultural Community Solutions and Portland City Councilor, was honored with the Champion for Older Adults award for her for her outstanding commitment to serving BIPOC older adults in the Portland community. “When we were discussing who should receive this award, Regina immediately jumped to mind as a true champion,” said Megan Walton. “Thank you for your leadership in advocating for our underserved community members.”
Kerri Berman was honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award for her for her unwavering dedication and commitment to enriching the lives of older adults. For years, Kerri has volunteered at SMAA’s Adult Day Program every Wednesday, bringing joy and enthusiasm as she engages with members and staff. “Little did I know when I arrived here that my days inside the Adult Day Program would have me ballroom dancing to Moon River at 11am! Or belting out a sing-a-long of Sweet Caroline at the top of my lungs with the bravest people I’ve ever met,” Kerri shared. The award was presented by Noël Bonam, Maine State Director for AARP.
As the keynote speaker, esteemed writer and filmmaker Ann Hedreen shared pieces of wisdom from her memoir, Her Beautiful Brain, about her mother’s experience with early onset Alzheimer’s.
Charting the Future 2024 was made possible thanks to Lead Sponsor Kennebunk Savings Bank Foundation; Innovator Sponsors Martin’s Point and United Healthcare; Explorer Sponsors Central Maine Power, Humana, and MaineHealth; Media Sponsor Maine Trust for Local News; Presenting Volunteer Sponsor AARP Maine; Supporter Sponsors the Boulos Company, Clark Insurance, Hospice of Southern Maine, Northern Light Home Care & Hospice, and Saco & Biddeford Savings; Gold Sponsors Allen Insurance and Financial, Avita of Stroudwater, Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating Inc., and Point32Health Foundation; and Silver Sponsors Avesta Housing, Fluent IMC, Home Instead, Machias Savings Bank, PeoplesChoice Credit Union, and Sentry Hill at York Harbor.
