Sullivan, Maine Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
1/30/2018

Lead Agency: Age Friendly Sullivan

Volunteers (informal)

Action Plan Download

An action plan is based on the results of community surveys identifying needs within the 8 Domains of Livability that influence the health and quality of life of older adults. While there is flexibility in how a plan is created and what it will do, every action plan includes a statement about what can be achieved, target dates for goal completion, identification of participating organizations and indicators to measure progress. The action plan is an "active" rather than static document. Revisions and amendments are a sign of program improvement and progress.

Action Plan Highlights

  1. Outdoor Spaces

    Produce more healthy food and create new volunteer opportunities for older adults through community gardens.

  2. Transportation

    Increase the accessibility and availability of transportation for residents who do not drive or own a private vehicle through development of a volunteer driver fleet.

  3. Health and Community Services

    Collaborate with neighboring towns to expand health and wellness fairs that provide free flu shots, balance screenings, and blood pressure readings.

Progress Report Download

The town of Sullivan made progress in various areas of their age-friendly action plan. They created a community garden and added a community baseball/soccer field, increased volunteer drivers, partnered with organizations to offer home renovation services, and created a Friendly Caller program. The town also renovated a community room and hosted social events, such as monthly potluck lunches and a movie in the park. They encourage civic participation through engaging residents to serve on municipal and non-profit boards and committees and offer workshops and seminars. The town uses various communication tools to keep residents informed and partnered with organizations to offer health and wellness resources.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Age-Friendly Sullivan (2023)

Sullivan, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public safety interventions

Description: In Sullivan, where hospitals are up to 20 miles away and heart disease is a leading cause of death, older adults often gather for exercise at the town office. To address the risk of delayed emergency care, Age-Friendly Sullivan installed an automated external defibrillator and partnered with EMTs to train staff and volunteers. The AED is now accessible during classes and community events, and additional training sessions are planned to expand readiness. The Town Manager said, "With this new equipment we can further support our community in a way we had not been able to before."

Age-Friendly Sullivan (2025)

Sullivan, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: Age-Friendly Sullivan will upgrade the Community Gazebo in Sumner Park with new electrical outlets, structural repairs, and a new roof. The project aims to enhance the gazebo for public events and celebrations, focusing on the needs of residents age 50-plus.

ABOUT THE AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

Launched in 2017, the annual AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to local governments and nonprofits in order to fund quick-action, ready-to-implement projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages.

See all nearby projects

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Connect with your AARP State Office

AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

AARP Maine State Office

53 Baxter Boulevard
Suite 202
Portland, ME 04101
United States

Phone: 866-554-5380
Fax: 207-775-5727
Email: [email protected]