Coalition

Age-Friendly Coastal Communities (AFCC) developed its action plan by evaluating the assets and challenges for older people in their communities. The plan covers the Blue Hill Peninsula (Blue Hill, Brooklin, Brooksville, Castine, Penobscot, Sedgwick, and Surry), Deer Isle, and Stonington. The priorities highlighted in the action plan inform the planning, fundraising, and collaborative efforts of organizational AFCC partners, Healthy Peninsula (as the coordinating agency), and the AFCC Coordinating Council. The regional initiative focuses on improving access and information related to medical and social service resources, building programs that decrease social isolation and improve social engagement, establishing a range of home repair services that helps residents age in place, increasing communication on age-friendly activities throughout the region, and sharing information and resources on existing regional transportation options.

Age-Friendly Coastal Communities (AFCC) seeks to improve the lives of all people living in nine Maine towns, with a focus on older adults. They advise select boards on infrastructure changes, create partnerships to enhance existing services, and encourage volunteers and organizations to create programs that help residents age safely and independently. The AFCC Action Plan includes activities to address Community Supports/Health Services, Housing/Food Security, Social Inclusion & Social Participation, Communication/Information Access, and Transportation. Immediate priorities include forming an AFCC Advisory Council and training volunteer navigators for the 'Bridging Neighbors' program, which will guide older adults through community-based resources.