More Than a Building: SeniorsPlus Unveils the Encompass Center—A New Space Where Older Adults and Community Meet
More Than a Building: This is an Investment in Health, Opportunity, and Hope
Join us Friday, August 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at 14 Mollison Way, Lewiston, for an exciting milestone as we unveil our new Encompass Center—a space built to strengthen our community, support older adults, and open doors to new possibilities. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
SeniorsPlus, the designated Area Agency on Aging serving Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties, invites the public to the grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new Encompass education and nutrition center from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, August 21, at 14 Mollison Way, Lewiston. The new building is adjacent to the main SeniorsPlus office at 8 Falcon Road. Parking is available and the building is accessible.
Refreshments will be provided by the Meals on Wheels kitchen staff from SeniorsPlus.
The event is free and open to the public.
Please RSVP so organizers can plan seating and refreshments. Kindly reply by Friday, August 14, via the button below, or by emailing bmcgough@seniorsplus.org or calling 207-795-4010.
The day’s program is as follows: 10 a.m., doors open; 10:15 a.m., speakers and special guests; 11 a.m., ribbon cutting ceremony; 11:15 a.m. to noon, reception, refreshments and building tours.
“The opening of the Encompass Center represents more than a new building—it represents our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of older adults and adults with disabilities in our community,” said Betsy Sawyer-Manter, President and CEO of SeniorsPlus. “From expanded meal production to confidential telehealth spaces and technology access, this center allows us to serve our neighbors with greater dignity, connection, and opportunity. We’re deeply grateful to our funders, donors, and community partners who made this vision a reality.”
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 toconvene 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-ledadult 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.
The project is made possible through grants and the support of individual donors. Support has been received from Federal HUD CDS 2023 and 2026, Maine Connectivity Authority, Androscoggin County ARPA, Lewiston CDBG, Franklin County ARPA, and T-Mobile Hometown Grant; 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.
Via grants from Maine Connectivity Authority and the T-Mobile Hometown Grant program, the project is rich in technology opportunities for the wider community. 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 assured. 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.
Join SeniorsPlus for an exciting milestone as they unveil the new Encompass Center—a space built to strengthen the community, support older adults, and open doors to new possibilities.
—
Since 1972, SeniorsPlus has been improving the lives of older adults and adults with disabilities. As the designated Area Agency on Aging for Western Maine, SeniorsPlus provides statewide services with an emphasis on Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties for core services (ie nutrition and information and assistance) that support independent living, healthy aging, and fight isolation.
Photo credit to Billian Moments Productions