KENNEBUNK, MAINE – The Kennebunk Savings Bank Foundation’s Huntington Common Charitable Fund (HCCF) is approaching the first deadline for new grant proposals in 2022. The HCCF seeks to improve the lives of older adults in York County, Maine, and in 2021 alone paid out $185,000 in program grants, supporting a wide variety of programs and projects.
A donation of $40,000 to the Sanford Housing Authority (SHA) supported the expansion of broadband internet access to one of their senior housing properties. The project outfitted the SHA’s Sunset Towers facility with free and fast Wi-Fi access for all tenants and was completed in early February 2022. “As medical care, social services, and financial services have moved to virtual platforms, internet access has become an increasingly important amenity,” noted Diane Gerry, Executive Director of the Sanford Housing Authority. The wireless access will also allow tenants to stay in touch with family more easily.
Another recent grant of $11,850 went to Waban Projects and was used to upgrade the bathroom in one of their properties to accommodate the changing needs of their older adult members. “Because of this grant, our members are able to age safely,” said Waban’s Executive Director, Jennifer Putnam. “With the addition of a new bathtub, bathing and showering is no longer a frustrating experience. The new tub has a swinging door and allows for seamless transitions while providing for the health and safety for our members. We are so grateful to the Foundation for investing in this type of equipment.”
Finally a $2,000 donation to York County Elder Abuse Task Force (YCEATF) funded an instant credit report and internet workstation to be used by YCEATF during educational presentations, conferences and meetings with older adults out in the community. “When we make our presentations to older adults, we tell them to run their credit reports and look for inconsistences,” said Candace Simeoni, Founder and President of the task force. “But we know that people often just offer suggestions, not solutions. We wanted to be able to provide a paper copy of an individual’s credit report right there in the room. That way, the folks we work with can have peace of mind – or if there is evidence of fraud, we can help them take immediate action.”
The Huntington Common Charitable Fund was created in 2006 to help older adults in York County lead complete and fulfilled lives; Kennebunk Savings has served as a steward for the fund since its inception.
The next grant deadline is March 31st. Nonprofit organizations with programs focusing on bettering the lives of older adults in York County can apply here.
