More than 100 employees, clients, project crew, neighbors and local and state dignitaries and business people were in attendance on a sunny day in late August when SeniorsPlus broke ground on their new Encompass education and nutrition center.
The 12,000 square foot facility at 14 Mollison Way in Lewiston will replace a rented, cramped and outgrown kitchen facility that has been utilized for more than a decade and an education center that has been rendered outdated by new technologies.
“The new education and nutrition center is urgently needed to provide a crucial space where our community can connect, find purpose, and access essential resources,” said Betsy Sawyer-Manter, president and CEO of SeniorsPlus. “This center will not only strengthen our Meals on Wheels and nutrition programs, but it will also combat isolation, offering a place for individuals to engage, build friendships, and continue learning.”
The importance of this growth was highlighted in heartfelt speeches given by consumers Bunny Gregoire and Mary Ellen Davis and volunteer Stephanie Parker.
Mary Ellen Davis participates in educational and informational sessions including knitting group, game day, Medicare and more, as well as the Social Dining program, where participants gather weekly to share meals. In addition to her own experience, she described the importance of the Meals on Wheels program in the community.
“I had a friend who had received these services for years,” said Davis, “and the highlight of her day was often the brief visits she got when those volunteers came to her home.”
Beyond improvements in delivering meals to the homebound, Davis pointed out that “the new Education and Nutrition Center will allow more people to take advantage of the skills and expertise SeniorsPlus has to offer.”
“This will be such a big help for so many of my friends who are in need of digital literacy skills,” Davis continued. “So many people have questions and there seems to be no place to get answers. Well, SeniorsPlus has always been a place for answers! Now they’ll be able to offer even more!”
Clients of SeniorsPlus will access telehealth, evidenced-based preventive health and monitoring activities, as well as a myriad of enrichment offerings. Workforce development and job fairs will focus on the unique needs and characteristics of older workers.
The project is made possible through grants and the support of individual donors. To date, support has been received from Federal HUD CDS 2023, Maine Connectivity Authority, Androscoggin County ARPA, Lewiston CDBG, and Franklin County ARPA; local businesses Bangor Savings Bank, Dirigo Federal Credit Union, Daddy O’s in Oxford and Mechanic Falls, Calzolaio in Wilton, Lost Valley in Auburn, and individual donors, staff, volunteers, and the SeniorsPlus board of directors. Fundraising is ongoing and dedication pavers, benches and naming opportunities are still available.
Jessica Perez, Digital Equity Manager at Maine Connectivity Authority, discussed the impact of their $900,000 Connectivity Hub grant and highlighted the importance of providing safe, secure digital access to Mainers across all demographics, including older adults.
The project’s digital elements include construction of privacy pods to allow confidential telehealth, behavioral health, legal and familial discussions. Digital educational offerings will enhance knowledge around cyber security and internet safety. Free Wi-Fi access and technology support will be offered with security and safety ensured. SeniorsPlus has formed a partnership with The National Digital Equity Center, a collaboration that provides participants with the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge of technology and internet-based programs, thereby increasing their employability.
Additional speakers included Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline and Lewiston City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath.
Features of the new facility include the following:
- Meal preparation and storage for more than 175,000 meals annually, benefiting 1,000 older adults and adults with disabilities in Androscoggin, Oxford, and Franklin counties annually;
- Designated workspace for Nutrition staff and clients to convene to ensure confidentiality;
- A pet food pantry to support Meals on Wheels clients with pets;
- A social dining area with kitchen access, adjoining the education center;
- Professionally-led adult learning classes and activities including book clubs, support groups and health promotion, exercise classes, etc., benefiting an estimated 400 clients annually;
- Digital access and equity; and
- An expanded education center with two “privacy pod” rooms to allow for telehealth, behavioral health, familial, and legal consultations.
Refreshments were provided by the Meals on Wheels kitchen staff from SeniorsPlus.
Additional information about the project can be found and donations can be made by visiting www.seniorsplus.org/campaign.