Looking for more information on Community Involvement
for providers? Click here.
Community is where all people are valued for their unique gifts and talents and where everyone feels welcome in businesses, organizations, clubs, and associations as members, employees, learners, and citizens. Communities are stronger when everyone belongs.
The Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) encourages you to explore your community for places you can join, become a member, volunteer, or learn something new while building meaningful relationships.
Stories from Maine
Volunteering and Giving Back
Getting involved in local organizations is a great way to give back and contribute your skills to your community. If you need help finding ways to get involved and volunteer, there are resources available that can help you get started.
- Guidelines for Assisting People to Volunteer (PDF)
- Volunteer Match Maine
- Volunteer - OADS Training (PowerPoint)
Joining Clubs, Groups, and Community Places
There are also people in your home and community who can help support you in finding activities and events that interest you. For example, try asking family and friends to help you get more involved in your community. You can attend events or try joining groups and clubs with people you already know.
Community Support Services can help you explore the community, find places to join, become involved in, or learn something new. This service can help you connect to activities in your own community involving spirituality, health, wellness, and job preparedness.
Home Support, Shared Living, and Family Centered Services can help you with activities such as grocery shopping, going to the doctors, attending places of worship, seeing family, voting, and accessing community events and activities.
Where do I start?
Talk to people who support you and people on your team about your interests and places, events, and activities you want to explore. If you are unsure, ask family, friends, or Community and Home Support staff for help to find opportunities in your community and learn how you can get involved.
Meaningful Day and Employment Training Series for 2026
- January 27th: Person-Centered Supports. Developing individualized opportunities based on a person’s interests and goals
- View the recording here.
- February 24th: Age Matters. Providing age-appropriate supports in services
- March 31st: A Vision for a Community Life. Strategies for building relationships and community connections
- April 28th: It’s Personal. Supports that honor a person’s privacy, dignity and self-esteem
- May 26th: From Presence to Purpose. Building community connections that lead to valued social roles
- June 30th: Beyond Words. Communication support strategies for people with complex needs
- July 28th: Building Financial Confidence. Supporting people to develop Financial Literacy skills with tools and resources
- August 25th: Skills for Life. Teaching people practical skills that promote learning
- September 29th: Inclusion Through Technology. Using assistive technology to live a more independent life
- October 27th: Putting Employment First. Understanding your role in supporting people to learn about and explore employment
- November 24th: Maine Best Practices. Hear stories about how providers have supported people to build strong community connections