When Khmer Maine began partnering with Southern Maine Agency on Aging, the goal was clear: to support Cambodian American and Southeast Asian elders in York and Cumberland counties in culturally meaningful ways. What began as a collaboration has grown into a bridge connecting older adults with the resources, community, and care that they need. This year, SMAA recognized Khmer Maine as its Partner of the Year for this transformative work!

Founded to serve the Cambodian refugee community, Khmer Maine brings cultural knowledge, trusted relationships, and language capacity to its work. SMAA contributes space, expertise, and critical resources.

According to Khmer Maine’s executive director, Marpheen Chann, the partnership with SMAA is making a transformational impact.

“Together, we ensure that elders who might otherwise face barriers to access are connected to health, wellness, and aging support services,” said Marpheen.

One of the most visible outcomes of this collaboration has been the Elder Health & Wellness monthly class series at SMAA’s Biddeford location. What began as a pilot with about 10 participants has grown to nearly 30 elders, who gather each month to learn about nutrition, cognitive health, fraud prevention, mental wellness, and more.

“The impact has been both practical and emotional: elders report feeling more confident in navigating health systems, and families have shared that their loved ones feel less isolated and more connected to community,” Marpheen shared.

The program also nurtures social connection.

“This partnership has made a profound difference by reducing isolation, increasing health literacy, and fostering a sense of dignity and belonging among our elders,” said Marpheen. “Many Cambodian elders came to Maine as refugees and continue to face barriers due to language, transportation, and trauma. The consistent gatherings have created a safe, supportive space for elders to stay socially connected, informed, and engaged.”

SMAA’s leadership underscores the importance of the collaboration.

“One of the best days I have had on the job in 11 years was during the celebration at the end of this wellness series,” said Meredith Anderson, Director of Outreach at SMAA. “The group had made a potluck of Cambodian food and they included me in their traditional dancing. We handed out flowers to each other which is also a custom and it was all so beautiful. One of our biggest goals at the agency is to create a place of belonging and I felt like they created that feeling during our celebration. That is what is so special about this partnership, we were truly creating safe spaces and learning together. I hope that the group from Khmer Maine feels a greater sense of belonging in Maine’s communities as well. We are so grateful to continue this work together.”

We congratulate and deeply thank Khmer Maine, SMAA’s 2025 Partner of the Year!