Contact: Becky Hadiaris (director.agefriendlysaco@gmail.com) 

Joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities: 2016-04-22

Structure: 501c3 volunteer board/committee

Highlight of 2025: With generous funding from the City of Saco, we reached a major milestone : hiring our first Executive Director, who stepped into the role at the end of October.

Featured in Lifelong Maine News, January 2024 

Age-Friendly Saco's Initiatives and Accomplishments:

Communication and Information

In 2018, the Age Friendly Saco newsletter was created and distributed to over 1,000 households. This quarterly newsletter is sent by mail as well as digitally. As of early 2026, there are 1,565 subscribers.  We developed an Age-Friendly Saco database which has continued to grow and evolve. To date we have 1,730  active participants in AFS programs, services, and activities.   

Housing

In 2017, Age-Friendly Saco developed a Handy Neighbor program addressing small home repairs and modifications. From 11/6/2017 to 2/27/26 718  jobs have been completed with over 1000 volunteer hours donated. From this program we learned that many residents needed tech help so we developed a team of Tech Handy Helpers. As part of the Tech Handy Helper program, we produced a video in collaboration with the City of Saco’s Communication Department, called “ A Day in the Life of Alexa” demonstrating how a simple echo dot can function as a virtual personal assistant. In 2023, we worked closely with the City of Saco Planning Department to create an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) guidebook. 

Social Participation

Age Friendly Saco plans to reinstate a monthly forum called Coffee and Conversations in April of 2026.

In January of 2026, volunteers began a ROMEO Club that will meet monthly. 

Monthly luncheons are held at our local Elks Club, usually bringing in 80-100 people. . 

Transportation 

In 2022, Age-Friendly Saco started a Volunteer Transportation program. Through February 2026, we have provided 4,179 medical rides, driven 39,470 miles and 3,903 volunteer hours.