Harpswell Aging at Home recently received a grant from Lifelong Maine, a program of the University of Maine Center on Aging. This funding is enabling us to provide more resources to our older neighbors in Harpswell. It is being used to support the creation of a “community connector” role that will increase our ability to provide information, access to supportive resources, and social opportunities to our older neighbors. We are thrilled to announce that Harpswell resident Tom Mahoney will be filling this role.
Tom is a familiar face around town, serving on the town Recreation Committee and Harpswell Aging at Home’s Steering Committee, and teaching beginning pickleball. He also leads HAH’s new Harpswell ROMEOs — Retired Older Men Eating Out — program. Tom brings extensive experience as a nonprofit leader and public health official to the community connector role, having helped hundreds of at-risk individuals connect with community agencies.
As community connector, Tom will work with Harpswell Aging at Home’s highly skilled, long-serving volunteer Resource Team, adding needed capacity. Tom or a team member will meet with referred individuals to figure out what is needed in terms of socialization, transportation, health and wellness, food, and home safety and maintenance. They will then recommend resources, providing information about community-based services such as those provided by the town and by HAH, as well as those provided by other agencies and organizations in the Midcoast.
When needed, Tom will provide personal assistance with setting up services and will work with others in the community to ensure successful connections or seek alternatives. Following the initial conversation, a three-month check-in will happen to determine the status and discuss additional concerns.
Tom believes one of the most important skills needed for this critical position is the ability to listen. While training to be a hospice volunteer, he learned that by closing his mouth and opening his ears, much good and healing could be accomplished. He said he is excited to “make a difference in the way aging is viewed and experienced in the community and state.”
“As one who is aging, I know there are stereotypes and perceptions about older people that need to be addressed and changed,” Tom said. “I have experienced ageism and think it is blatantly unfair. I see myself as a vibrant individual making the most of his life through social events, volunteerism, athletic programs and connections with friends.”
In this role, Tom hopes to find innovative ways to involve older people in the community through social events, help them to maintain a sense of identity and self-esteem, and utilize their wealth of knowledge and experience. “I want to connect people to resources that help maintain their independence and maintain or improve their health and well-being,” he says.
Tom is happy to talk with any older resident, or family member of an older resident, who wants to learn more about the resources available to keep everyone thriving here in Harpswell. For details, contact Gina Caldwell at the Town Office at 207-833-5771 ext. 108.
