Responding to tragedy in Maine, updates on reimagining aging, expanding Medicare Savings Programs, advancing racial healing

November 1, 2023

Responding to the tragedy in Maine

Our hearts are with the families of all of those affected by the mass shooting in Lewiston last week. Philanthropy and community came together quickly to identify ways to assist those impacted by this tragic event.

Maine Philanthropy Center has compiled a list of resources, including a trauma toolkit and links to mental health supports.
The Maine Community Foundation has created the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund to address current and emerging needs and support the process of healing. Contributions will be distributed with deep community guidance, including from the statewide board, the Androscoggin County Committee and community steering committees.
The Community Fund of the United Way of Androscoggin County, which covers the Lewiston region, will support community partners providing mental health services and other critical needs.
The Red Cross is mobilizing resources to provide blood products, crisis counseling and other support.

Point32Health and Point32Health Foundation are donating to the central and mid-coast Maine chapter of the American Red Cross, the Maine Community Foundation, and the United Way of Androscoggin County.

ReiMAgine Aging podcast spotlights age-friendly Massachusetts work

A new podcast that centers community voices telling community stories launched in October. This is a creative approach to reporting on initiatives in the Commonwealth—from digital equity programs and walk audits to programs promoting purpose and connection, food security, housing, and economic health for older adults.

The project is a collaboration of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative. Funding was provided by the Foundation.

The ReiMAgine Aging podcast includes the work of AARPMA, UMASS Gerontology, Boston Age Strong Commission, Operation ABLE, 2LifeCommunities, AgeSpan, Mill City Grows, WalkBike Worcester, WalkMassachusetts, Central Mass Regional Planning Commission, Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Mass Broadband Institute, Mass. / N.H Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, Dementia Friends Massachusetts, Mass. Councils on Aging, and Greater Chinese Golden Age Center.

Listen to the first episode

Reforming housing policies for those who need a clean slate

A recent Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts report shows that older adults with a criminal record are at low risk for committing a crime, yet at high risk for homelessness and housing instability.

Arthur Claude McIvory knows what it's like. Hear him share his experience navigating the overly complex process to find a home and learn about the work of Clean Slate Massachusetts here.

Foundation funding supported the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts' (PHIWM) Health Impact Assessment on this issue. PHIWM is using the findings from that assessment to advocate for policy change.

Maine expands eligibility for Medicare savings program

The Maine Council on Aging reports that after "three bills, one report and nine years of advocacy....tens of thousands of Mainers, many of whom experienced historical disparities, will gain access to the Medicare Savings Program."

The Medicare Savings Program helps boost Social Security payments for low-income retirees by reducing or eliminating Medicare insurance premiums that are automatically deducted from their monthly checks.

According to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, about 19,000 Maine residents are over 65, many of them low-income women living alone, will be made eligible for the program under the new law, which will take effect in March of 2024.

The Maine Council on Aging receives Foundation support.

Manchester NAACP announces ‘Healing Circles’ initiative

Healing circles are a culturally based practice that provides a safe space for people of color to talk about and share lived experiences, cultural and racial pride, and heal from racial trauma. They are a powerful way to allow people from the same background and heritage to heal each other from the wounds of racism.

With funding from the Foundation, the Manchester branch of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is now offering opportunities to participate in monthly Healing Circles for adults and teens of color who have experienced racism. The circles will be led by trained counselors from Therapists of Color New England.

Connection between food and diabetes explored in community program

“Navigating Diabetes Through Food and Community” is a Boston Public Library series designed to connect the dots between food and diabetes care.

Topics including community building, healthy cooking demonstrations and Qi Gong movement. The two-week program begins in next week.

The Foundation provided funding for the series, which is presented in partnership with Stop & Shop Nutrition Partners.

Spanish-speaking caregivers' group launches in R.I.

The Village Common of Rhode Island has a new group that offers support and resources for Spanish-speaking caregivers age 60+.

Led by bilingual facilitators, the group shares experiences, tips, testimonies and knowledge every other Saturday. In their first session, attendees asked questions, interacted with peers, expressed opinions and exchanged personal contact information.

Participants have the chance to make new friends and build a network of support.

Foundation receives Equity in Aging award at national conference

The Foundation was recognized with the 2023 John Feather Equity in Aging Philanthropy Award by the Equity in Aging Task Force at the Grantmakers In Aging 2023 Annual Conference.

This recognition shows that when you reflect the values in community, people notice. It honors the team’s commitment to prioritize equity and inclusion, especially as it relates to older people, communities that have been disenfranchised and those facing systemic racism.

Colleague shares success story at Operation ABLE graduation

Operation ABLE is a critical resource for job seekers. The organization helps those who are underemployed or in career transition, military veterans, and others who need support services to reenter the workforce.

Point32Health and the Foundation are longtime supporters. Mark Porter, the company's senior vice president and chief accounting officer, serves on the Operation ABLE board and Point32Health has hired two recent graduates of the program.

Jose Ortega accepted the Employer Recognition Award presented by Marian Walsh, CEO of Operation ABLE, at the organization's graduation ceremony. Ortega, a supervisor in commercial member services, also shared reflections about his experience managing an Operation ABLE alum.

Taking steps to end Alzheimer's

The Point32Health Walk to End Alzheimer’s team participated in 10 events at locations across New England and in additional communities where colleagues live and work.

The team exceeded our goal, raising more than $105,000 to support services for families, advocacy for those living with Alzheimer’s, and research to advance treatments and find a cure. The Foundation will match all funds raised by our team.