Everyone deserves a place to call home.

A Word from Rebecca

We understand that a home is more than just a place to live — it’s a safe space that creates stability and allows people to thrive. But there’s another aspect of having a home that sometimes goes unnoticed: a stable home empowers individuals to give back. I see firsthand Avesta residents doing this in remarkable ways and helping to make our communities thrive.

Every day, Avesta residents across Maine and New Hampshire step up to lend a hand, whether they’re helping a fellow resident, assisting with on-site activities, serving on municipal boards, or volunteering with local nonprofits and schools. Driven by generosity and their deep sense of community, Avesta residents are valuable contributors in their communities.

I am inspired by the volunteer work our residents do to lift up their communities. Below are just a few examples of how our residents are giving back.

Rebecca Hatfield, President & CEO

HELEN BURNS

Thomas Heights, Portland

Helen Burns, left, helps a student thread a sewing machine during a free sewing class at The Root Cellar in Portland.

Helen teaches free sewing classes at The Root Cellar, a Portland-based nonprofit. Her mother was a seamstress who taught her four daughters to make their own clothes “out of necessity” — skills that Helen now passes on to others, most of whom have limited income.

Over a 10-week course, students learn how to make their own clothing from start to finish, including choosing a pattern, measuring and cutting fabric, and learning how to set up and use a sewing machine. All materials are donated.

“When you teach someone something, you can see a light bulb come on and they go, ‘Oh, that’s how you do it,'” Helen said. “It’s very rewarding to see that happen and witness the beautiful things they make. I look forward to it.”

SYLVIA ARCHER & JAN TROISI

The Meadows, Hampton Falls, NH

Jan Troisi, left, and Sylvia Archer with their scarecrow at The Common in Hampton Falls, N.H.

Sylvia and Jan are members of the Town of Hampton Falls Recreation Commission, a seven-person board that meets monthly to plan community events, including bowling nights, family-friendly outdoor festivals, and wreath-laying ceremonies on veterans’ graves as part of Wreaths Across America. Every October, they help organize Scarecrow on the Common, a month-long display in the town common of scarecrows that are handmade by members of the community. They also spearhead activities sponsored by the rec commission at The Meadows, including paint nights, cribbage games, and chair yoga.

“I like it because it’s fun, it’s interesting, and I get to meet a lot of new people while doing something for the community,” Sylvia said. “The entire town gets involved, and I really enjoy that.” Says Jan: “I enjoy the camaraderie. My husband and I have both worked and volunteered throughout our lives, and we didn’t want to move to The Meadows and just do nothing. Just because we’re older doesn’t mean we want to stop.”

DEEDEE GARCIA

Woodsedge, Alfred

Deedee Garcia checks the contents of the food pantry in the Woodsedge community room.

Deedee organizes the food pantry at Woodsedge, an Avesta community for older adults and people with disabilities. It began when she visited the food pantry in town once or twice a month to pick up a box of groceries for herself and donated $10 to $20 for a second box, which she would bring to the community room for other residents’ use. It eventually grew into a communal pantry of canned goods and household items — residents take what they need and add things when they can. Deedee also sets up an annual “giving tree” in the community room for resident’s pets during the holidays.



“I know what it’s like to struggle to put food on the table, and I know there are others who feel the same,” Deedee said. “Besides — I can’t just sit at home; it drives me crazy. I have to do something. And it just warms my heart to help people out.”

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Meadowview II on schedule to open in spring 2025

Construction on Meadowview II in Gray, Maine, has moved to the interior phase, and we anticipate that residents may begin moving in during the spring. In keeping with Avesta’s commitment to address climate change through sustainable building practices, Meadowview II’s design utilizes Passive House principles to provide comfortable living conditions, high-efficient HVAC and plumbing systems, and a roof-mounted solar array that will reduce electrical costs by up to 20%. Amenities will include a picturesque backyard area with space for a community garden and toolshed, on-site laundry and parking, and a spacious community room for socialization and educational programs offered by Avesta community partners.

When completed, Meadowview II will provide 26 affordable 1- and 2-bedroom homes for older adults. The building was designed by JSA Design, and Optimum Construction Co. is the site contractor. Applications are not yet being accepted for Meadowview II, but we anticipate opening up the application process in the spring.

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