Older Americans Act
Rooted in the Older Americans Act Mission
Guided by the goals of the Older Americans Act, Southern Maine Agency on Aging is committed to serving older adults and caregivers of the greatest social and economic need. This includes individuals who are low-income, live in rural areas, or face challenges such as living with disabilities or managing chronic health conditions.
Our focus is on delivering critical services that keep older adults safe, supported, and connected in the homes and communities they love. We provide programs, resources, and advocacy designed to remove barriers to independence and well-being, helping older adults live with dignity and as fully as possible.
Collaboration with community partners and listening to clients, families, and caregivers are central to our approach. These partnerships ensure our services are accessible, effective, and aligned with the priorities of the Older Americans Act. We continuously ask: Who are we reaching—and who might we still be missing? This commitment ensures that our work remains responsive, relevant, and rooted in the real needs of the communities we serve here in Maine.
Programs and Services
As an Agency on Aging, SMAA prioritizes outreach and services for older adults with low incomes, individuals living in rural or underserved communities, and those experiencing social isolation or limited support systems. We design programs that account for real-world barriers, including transportation challenges, limited access to technology, and language and cultural differences. We partner with trusted, community-based organizations to extend our reach and deepen our impact. And we work to reduce barriers wherever possible—whether related to cost, awareness, access, or navigating complex systems. This work is both values-driven and results-oriented. It reflects not only what we believe—but what we know works.
Building Trust Through Partnership
SMAA’s impact is strengthened through collaboration.
We work alongside community partners to:
- Reach individuals who may not otherwise connect with services
- Continuously improve how we show up and respond to community needs
- Build trust over time through consistent, meaningful engagement
We are committed to listening, learning, and adapting—ensuring that our partnerships remain strong and that our work continues to evolve. Our ultimate goal is to empower older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers to thrive – supporting healthy aging, independence, and quality of life for those who need it most.
Continuing to Listen, Learn and Improve
We view this work as ongoing. We regularly reflect on how we can do better—tracking engagement, listening to feedback, and paying attention to how our community responds. We also look inward, creating space within our organization to reinforce these values and ensure they are reflected across our team and culture.
Because at its core, this work is about more than programs—it’s about building a community where all older adults and family caregivers can age with dignity, connection, and support.
For more information about SMAA’s work, please feel free to contact us.
Megan Walton
Southern Maine Agency on Aging
President and Chief Executive Officer