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Harpswell Aging at Home (HAH) celebrated our fifth anniversary during the pandemic and we are continuing to grow and change. We are six years old and going strong.
The seeds for HAH were planted with the first survey sent to Harpswell residents in 2015 to identify community needs. Then focus groups were formed for people to discuss their concerns and hopes for what they might need to age in place. These issues became the foundation for what HAH was built on and in May, 2016 a Steering Committee took shape headed by Dave Brown and Jess Mauer, then Director of Maine Council on Aging, and by luck, also a Harpswell resident. The goal was, and still is, to provide supports that allow Harpswell residents to age at home, thus the name and the organization was born. Taking time to organize and recruit volunteers, by September of 2016 we were off.
In a large step forward, HAH has an application for 501(c)(3), its own non-profit status pending, and as an all volunteer organization, we always need more volunteers.
If you have expertise or skills in technology, health education, socialization, communications or other interests please email volunteer@hah.community
Here is a look at the committees and plans for the future post Covid-19. Come join us!
Home Repairs developed a partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Seven Rivers that remains in place. Initially, workers brought their own tools to the job site until a grant allowed the team to purchase a van and equipment. After a brief hiatus due to Covid-19, the team is back to work following CDC guidelines and is looking for new projects. So if you, or someone you know, need work done, call the Town Office for information. 1-207-833-5571
The Food Team started Lunch with Friends, weekly events in all corners of Harpswell bringing people together for good food, community, and socialization. When Covid-19 came to town, they didn’t flinch but switched to Lunches to Go and then Meals in a Pinch. That program continues to be popular and the team has added Snacks with Friends, Trunk events, and Cooking at 43° North. If you like to cook and want to to participate contact Julie Moulton at juliemoulton28@gmail.com or call 330-5416
Health and Wellness (H&W) offers opportunities and information to help older residents be safe and healthy. Volunteers make weekly calls to keep their neighbors informed of events and activities. When Covid-19 hit, they swung into high gear with Traveling Tales, bringing puzzles, games and books to residents to ease isolation. Happily, these materials have now been passed on to other locations serving older people. The team also started programming on Harpswell TV aimed at older adults and arranged technical assistance for computer help.
Transportation was another need identified and HAH in partnership with People Plus in Brunswick now has a Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN). There is a need for more drivers and you can choose when and how much to drive. Contact Hugh Hardcastle at yfh3@comcast.net to volunteer.
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