Community Connections
The Community Connections program, a signature initiative of the Cabinet on Aging, was launched in 2024 in partnership with Maine’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), the University of Maine’s Center on Aging, and Maine’s Age Friendly communities. The pilot was designed to better align state, regional, and community efforts to improve the welfare of older adults by strengthening local capacity for outreach, relationship-building, and connection to services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
As part of this initiative, twelve age-friendly pilot communities—from York to Caribou—established Community Connector roles. As trusted community members, Community Connectors help bridge access gaps and foster community engagement. While each program reflects local strengths and priorities, all share a common goal of supporting older adults to live comfortably and safely in their homes and communities
Bridging the Gap |
Gray/New GloucesterBuilding Trust in Trusted Spaces  |
Saco |
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St. John ValleyUniting Through Acadian Culture  |
Sullivan |
Reports
These program reports describe the progress and impact of the Community Connections initiative. They highlight how partnerships among state agencies, regional organizations, and local age-friendly communities are building new pathways for outreach, service coordination, and community engagement across Maine.
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Explore the 64 Mini Grant Projects
Hover over each location to learn more.
The Community Connections Program also included a mini-grant opportunity open to all Age-Friendly communities to support projects aligned with the Cabinet’s priorities. Over 40 grants were awarded in November 2024 for quick-action projects. Awards ranged from $1,500 to $20,000, for a total of $330,000. An additional $420,000 was awarded in May-June 2025 to 25 communities to support a range of activities and projects.
Explore the Pilot Sites
Hover over each location to learn more.
Twelve Age-Friendly pilot communities have established Community Connector roles across the state. Pilot communities are located across rural and more urban areas of the State, with at least two in each Area Agency on Aging service region. Several pilots represent regional initiatives that cover multiple towns. Community Connectors are stipended volunteers who live in the community and know it well. As trusted neighbors, Community Connectors bridge access gaps and foster community engagement, ensuring older residents have the tools and support needed to thrive.