DRIVE ME Mini-Grants

DRIVE ME Mini-Grants is sponsored by Lifelong Maine (in partnership with UMaine Center on Aging and Governor's Cabinet on Aging). These mini-grants aim to strengthen and support volunteer transportation programs across Maine. Funds can be used for recruiting, training, and thanking volunteer drivers, and helping new programs get started.

HAK Support-Community's volunteer-based model makes this a strong fit.

Copy - Community Connections "we all have tools in our toolkit, but none of us have all the tools. (The Community Connections Project) identifies the tools we each have and equips age-friendly communities, Area Agencies on Aging, and other resource partners to leverage those tools to work together for the best outcomes."

– Elizabeth Gattine, Coordinator Cabinet on Aging The Community Connections project is a signature initiative of the Governor's Cabinet on Aging in collaboration with the UMaine Center on Aging and Maine's five Area Agencies on Aging.

By investing in Maine's Age-Friendly Communities to further local goals and strengthen resource connections, the project seeks to make it easier for people to age safely and comfortably in the communities we call home. These videos were developed by the Governor's Cabinet on Aging to highlight the different approaches taken in Community Connector sites across the state.

Maine's Community Connectors : An Overview Saco : Helping All Neighbors Sullivan : Finding the Helpers Gray & New Gloucester : Building Trust St. John Valley : Uniting Through Acadian Culture CC-18-month Infographic.

pdf View the infographic — 18 months of Connector pilot site impact at a glance community connections overview Community Connector Sites Community Connections MiniGrants Community Connector Pilot Project The project goal is to reduce barriers to essential services, programs, and social opportunities.

As trusted neighbors, Community Connectors create pathways for older community members to seek assistance and engage with regional and community resources. Through specialized training in resource navigation, service connection, and leadership development, Connectors work to eliminate barriers that often prevent people from accessing essential resources or participating in social opportunities.

Read our Year One Report, Maine's Community Connectors: Neighbors Helping Neighbors Thrive To see the Connectors in action, visit the Community Connector playlist on YouTube Lifelong Maine Resource Connect Calls The Governor's Cabinet on Aging hosts a quarterly webinar series designed to connect Lifelong Maine's Age-friendly community leaders and volunteers with essential statewide resources.

Coordinated by the UMaine Center on Aging, these one-hour sessions provide an opportunity to learn about programs, services, and tools available to older Mainers—equipping local leaders with the knowledge they need to share this information within their communities. When: Third Wednesday - February, May, August, and November, 9:00–10:00 AM To join, Virtual (Zoom): https://bit.

ly/LifelongMaine Whether you're a seasoned age-friendly coordinator or a new volunteer, these webinars offer practical insights you can put to use right away. Join us to strengthen your community's network of support for older residents. Click here for archived materials Skill Building Series - H one skills to help with your age-friendly journey or e arn your Certificate in Age-Friendly Community Development!

--FREE The series covers essential age-friendly skills, including outreach, advocacy, volunteer management, communication, and more. Each chapter focuses on a specific skill, equipping Community Connectors and other community volunteers to confidently work alongside older residents.

The material will help volunteers perform many different roles--from leading age-friendly initiatives to transportation to connecting older adults with resources that enhance their well-being and quality of life. Whether you have a few minutes or an hour, you can access the Skill Training chapters whenever it is convenient.

The self-directed format accomodates various learning styles and interests so that you can fully engage with the material without feeling rushed or constrained by a fixed deadline. Take the time you need to absorb and reflect on each chapter, making your learning journey more effective and enjoyable. Are you wondering about cost?

The series is free for anyone who wants to take it. Throughout each chapter, there are links to complete on-line reflections. When you have completed 10 of the chapters, we will send you a certificate in Age-Friendly Community Development to celebrate your commitment to lifelong learning.

Not interested in getting a certificate or just want to explore a few chapters? We are delighted to have you join us! Whether you take the full series or just a few of the chapters, please email us if you encounter any difficulties.

Community Connections Minigrants The Governor's Cabinet on Aging, through the Community Connections grant project, has invested $329,991 in 40 innovative proposals to make our communities more age-friendly. The funded projects advance the Cabinet's mission by strengthening communities in essential ways. They help residents prepare for winter storms, foster social connections, and make public spaces more welcoming and accessible.

The initiatives also expand volunteer transportation services and support residents in aging safely at home with optimal health. Additionally, they create opportunities for digital engagement and launch numerous other innovations to enhance life for older residents. Click here to learn more about the funded projects .