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. 
 
Transportation (Anita Clark and Shirley Powell)   Current Projects:

• 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).  Call 207-824-4444 at least 3 days in advance of ride.  Rides are dependent on availability of drivers.
• Continued advocacy with the Maine Department of Transportation, Western Maine Transportation Services and the Mountain Explorer.
• WE NEED VOLUNTEER DRIVERS!  CONTACT US IF INTERESTED

Housing (Lucy Abbott and Charlie Reiss)  Current Projects:

• Free home safety assessments by a licensed Occupational Therapist.  Clients are recommended by the Bethel Family Health Center or may request the service themselves.
• We are developing a Handy Neighbors Program.

Communication and Outreach (Nancy Davis, Shirley Powell, Lucy Abbott)  Current Projects:

• Press releases and print items (rack card, etc.)
• Monthly electronic newsletters – contact us if you’d like to be on the email list.
• Website: www.agefrendlybethel.org.
• Resource Directory: Guide to services and agencies available to seniors (and others), locally and statewide; 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.

Social Participation and Respect (Anita Clark)  Current Projects:
The AFCI collaborates with a variety of community organizations and promotes and advertises
multi-age activities.

Community and Health Services (Jane Chandler, Lise McLain, Bob Oickle)  Current Projects:

• 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, thereby lessening isolation, promoting safety, and encouraging new friendships. FMI: Brooks Morton (brooksmorton@gmail.com, 207-824-2679).
• 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 (Manager Jane Chandler).
• The AFCI collaborates with the Local Food Connection to address issues of food security.

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