Share your experience and insights
Where have we been, you might be asking? I know it has been a while since I wrote. It has been a very busy winter for The Maine Highlands Senior Center (MHSC) and for The Charlotte White (CWC) Thriving in Place (TiP) project. We have been working hard on our collaboration and our multi-pronged efforts to inform our teams both on the many programs available through the numerous organizations in Piscataquis County and also the many obstacles for older adults in our region. But what wonderful energy there is to this effort!
The MHSC repurposing and renovation of Central Hall is proceeding behind the walls: insulation and wiring have been done, walls are going up, and soon new siding will begin to be placed. Active fundraising both in and out of the community is underway. Public speaking engagements have been given and more are being lined up for the spring. And now, even before completion of construction, we are starting a major effort to support and revitalize Senior Network, a vastly under utilized community meals program for seniors supported by Meals for ME and some very dedicated volunteers.
Our vision is for Senior Network to grow to become a part of a vibrant community-wide effort linking older adults to activities, programs and services throughout the region as well as offering low cost meals, socialization, events, educational programs, and hopefully new community neighborhood connections. Not only do we envision diverse, engaging opportunities (including volunteering) for all older members of the community, but we look to the program to become a lifeline for many older people offering support currently only available to a few using neighbor-to-neighbor buddies and some creative interactions.
The movement forward for Maine Highlands Senior Center is boosted by a wonderful collaboration with 41 local partners through the CWC-TiP which is energetically working to address regional obstacles to thriving such as transportation, health access problems for some people in the community, and isolation. We have six work teams who are taking individual aspects of the effort to explore more deeply: transportation, community outreach, in-home care, health access, volunteer development, and caregiver support.
Now here is the punch line: We need you to make this happen! The TiP and MHSC are looking for people with a little time willing to work to improve the vitality of our region. This is not going to work if people sit back and wait for it to be done for them. We want to hear from older adults about what struggles they have, how they have overcome their personal obstacles, what help they could use. We want you to be on our work teams as advisors. Share your experience and insights. (If you don’t drive or have a vehicle, we can arrange assistance with transportation or we can even come to you if you can’t leave home.) Everyone can help, but, did I already say it? We need you!
If you would like to become involved in one of our many teams or efforts or just want to tell us your story, please call Meg Callaway 270-2778 or Lesley Fernow 992-6822.