Community Action in Aroostook, Washington and Hancock Counties (CAAWHC) and Friends in Action (FIA) have entered a collaborative partnership that will strengthen and expand supports for older adults in Hancock County.
Beginning May 1, 2026, services currently delivered through the At Home Program with the Community Action Agency will transition to Friends in Action, ensuring that members continue receiving transportation, deliveries, and essential supports without interruption. This transition reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to deliver services through the provider best positioned to lead with expertise, while allowing CAAWHC to focus on expanding Adult Day Services in Hancock County—an increasingly critical need in a region with no publicly available nursing home beds and growing demand for daily in‑person support.
Friends in Action, based in Ellsworth, has a long and respected history of helping older adults remain independent, active, and connected through volunteer transportation, grocery and pharmacy support, social programs, and community engagement. Their mission and experience align closely with the goals of the At Home program, which transitioned to CAAWHC in October 2025 as part of the shift of programs from Downeast Community Partners.
The program provides members with medical rides, weekly deliveries, and transportation for essential errands. Several At Home volunteers have already begun volunteering with Friends in Action, ensuring familiar faces remain part of members’ support networks. All current members received a 30‑day written notice on March 27, 2026, including an FIA application and information about available services. Staff from both organizations will be available to assist with applications, referrals, and service navigation.
“This partnership allows both organizations to lead with strength,” said Anne Ossanna, Program Coordinator for Aging Services at CAAWHC. “Friends in Action has deep expertise in volunteer‑driven transportation and community support, and their team is exceptionally well‑equipped to carry this work forward. By transitioning these services to their capable hands, we can focus on expanding Adult Day Services—something Hancock County urgently needs. Together, we are ensuring that older adults receive the right support, from the right provider, at the right time.”
Friends in Action Executive Director McKayla Hairston echoed this shared commitment. “We are honored to welcome At Home members into the Friends in Action community. Our volunteers and staff are dedicated to providing compassionate, reliable support that helps older adults stay connected, independent, and safe. This partnership strengthens the network of care in Hancock County, and we are proud to work alongside Community Action to meet the needs of our aging neighbors.”
At Home staff will call all current members in the coming week to review the transition, answer questions, and ensure that all scheduled rides and deliveries through April are fully honored. Additional community partners—including Community Compass in Blue Hill and Healthy Peninsula’s Bridging Neighbors Program—will remain available to support members as needed. For questions or assistance, members are encouraged to contact Community Action, Friendship Cottage Adult Day Program, or Friends in Action for help with applications, referrals, or service navigation.
