Our October, 2015 community survey formed the basis for our Age-Friendly planning.  Four years later - after much discussion, strategic planning and refinement of programs - the May, 2019 Listen to your Elders event provided enrichment to already existing programs and some exciting new potentials. 

• Outreach/Social Participation and Respect

There are many public multi-age activities in our communities, and AFCI collaborates with other area organizations to explore additional possibilities of particular interest to older adults.  The six AFCI town representatives on the Board periodically offer opportunities for residents to share ideas pertaining to AFCI’s mission.

• Communication and Information
  • Press releases, print items (rack card, etc.), website.
  • Monthly electronic newsletters – contact us if you’d like to be on the email list.
  • Resource Directory: Guide to local and statewide services and agencies - on website and printed copies at select sites within the AFCI communities – contact us if you’d like us to email you a pdf copy.
• Community and Health Services
  • Exercise for Seniors, free of charge: Walk the Gym, November-April; Tai Chi classes  
  • Morning Greeting: Seniors living alone can receive a call each day from a “neighbor” to check in on their well-being. FMI: Kay Rector (kaymail3333@gmail.com, 207-824-3333).
  • The AFCI collaborates with the Local Food Connection to address issues of food security.
• Housing
  • Free home safety assessments by a licensed Occupational Therapist.  Clients are recommended by the Bethel Family Health Center or may request the service themselves.
  • The Handy Neighbor Program provides high school students to perform simple outdoor chores for adults over 69 (207-824-4444).
  • Adaptive toolkit Display: tools for home use, including kitchen helpers and aids to facilitate vision and manual dexterity; for sale at Brooks Bros. Hardware and from other online retailers (see catalog); displayed throughout the communities and at local events.
• Transportation
  • Neighbor-to-Neighbor (N2N) Volunteer Driver Program: free rides for over-60 residents of the AFCI communities - medical (within 30 miles) or non-medical (within the 6 towns).  207-824-4444 at least 3 days in advance of ride.  Rides are dependent on availability of drivers.
  • WE NEED VOLUNTEER DRIVERS – especially in West Bethel and Gilead!  CONTACT US IF INTERESTED..

                                                     All AFCI programs welcome volunteers –
                                          all sorts of tasks: suggest an idea, give a few hours or
                                                                serve on a planning team.