Mainebiz Giving Guide

V O L . X X X I N O. X X I I 14 G I V I N G G U I D E 2 0 2 5 – 2 0 2 6 N O N P RO F I T P RO F I L E 2026 GOALS On behalf of our nearly 200,000 mem- bers in the state, AARP Maine strives to be the most relevant resource for people 50-plus and their families. Our goal is to help make Maine a better place to live for all residents as we thrive, work, age, and retire. Together with teams of volunteers, we advocate on behalf of older Mainers and represent them in Augusta on issues such as caregiver rights and supports, fair and reasonable utility rates, affordable hous- ing, scam and fraud prevention, financial security and much more. We work to achieve purposeful engagement so our social mission can impact more people of all ages across the state. In addition, we recognize that more than 369,000 Mainers rely on their monthly Social Security payments. For 90 years, Social Security has been there for multiple generations – and AARP fights every day so the program, and other similar federal programs, will stay strong for generations to come. FUNDRAISING EVENTS/ OPPORTUNITIES AARP Maine collaborates with like- minded organizations in the Pine Tree State keeping our members and their families in mind. We are committed to offering meaningful, quality experiences and supports that will enhance the lives of the individuals we serve. In addition, AARP engages with elected officials, partner organizations and local leaders to guide communities through the AARP Age-Friendly Net- work program to assist with assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation processes. e common thread among Maine's 95 age-friendly communities enrolled in the AARP Age-Friendly Net- work is the belief that the places where we live are more livable, and better able to support people of all ages, when local leaders commit to improving the quality of life for the very young, the very old, and everyone in between. Each year, the AARP Community Chal- lenge grants program funds quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connec- tions, and more. Now in its ninth year, the program is part of AARP's nation- wide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all resi- dents, especially those age 50 and older. In Maine, the Challenge has awarded $546,863 through 81 grants since 2017 to nonprofit organizations and local gov- ernment entities across the state. ese age-friendly communities are always in need of support from partners, busi- nesses and other local entities to bolster their grassroots efforts on behalf of older adults in their respective communities. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AARP Maine offers a variety of reward- ing volunteer opportunities including roles in advocacy and community out- reach. Volunteers can learn about and contribute to advocacy issues such as caregiving, fair utility rates, and afford- able housing. We also seek volunteers to help with community events like com- munity festivals and fairs, scam awareness presentations, our popular coffee socials, and educational classes. ere is always a lot on our calendar! Here is a more detailed look at some specific opportunities. Ongoing train- ing is provided: � Advocacy Engagement: Join our Tuesdays at the State House program and engage with legislators, testify on issues of importance to Mainers 50-plus, and attend committee hearings. � Community Outreach: Help shape AARP's work in Maine and share your ideas about community needs and age-friendly opportunities. � AARP Foundation Tax-Aide: Help low-to-moderate income individuals file their taxes during tax season. � AARP Driver Safety: Teach proven driving techniques to help keep Mainers and their loved ones safe on the road. AT A GLANCE Established: AARP, the national organization, was founded in 1958, and the state office in Maine was established in 2000. / Employees: 5 CONTACT 53 Baxter Blvd., Suite 202 Portland, ME 04101 (866) 554-5380 me@aarp.org aarp.org/me @aarpmaine AWARDS/ACCOLADES • The Washington Post's 2024 Top Workplaces (seven years in a row) • Community Partner of the Year award from Southern Maine Agency on Aging MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is simply to enhance the quality of life for all as we age. We champion positive social change and deliver value through advocacy, information and service and we do it on the national and at the state level. The vision that drives us is a society in which all people live with dignity and purpose and fulfill their goals and dreams. SERVICE LOCATIONS AARP Maine's work spans the entire state with meaningful programs, events, volunteer engagement and outreach initiatives designed expressly for older adults and their families throughout Maine. AARP Maine AARP MAINE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Carl Toney Physician's Assistant (retired) and Health Care Planning Consultant Sara Grant Geriatric Social Worker, University of Maine's Center on Aging, Senior Companion Program Erica Bell-Watkins Age-Friendly Coordinator for Windham, Community Connector in the UM/ Governors Council on Aging pilot program Pious Ali Portland City Councilor Pamela Partridge Educator (retired) and co-lead AARP Maine Fraud Watch programs Philip Chin Journalist (retired) and co-lead AARP Maine Fraud Watch programs Jessica Perez Digital Equity Manager at Maine Connectivity Authority Virginia Joles Philanthropy Coordinator for the Foundation of the Aroostook Agency on Aging Noël Bonam AARP Maine State Director André Chassé AARP Maine Volunteer State President Retirement Benefits Manager, Northern Light Health AARP Maine Tuesdays at the State House volunteers play a pivotal role in enhancing our advocacy and legislative agenda each year Volunteers and staff from AARP Maine are featured here at Pride Portland, one of the many festivals and community events we champion around the state

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