| Joanne Cole, NGX |
Since its launch in March, New Gloucester’s wellness outreach program has offered support for area residents as well as opportunities to volunteer. Begun out of particular concerns about food insecurity and social isolation, the program is evolving to meet changing needs as the challenges of the Covid-19 outbreak continue, according to program director Morgan Rocheleau.
Rocheleau, New Gloucester’s parks and recreation director, was asked by interim town manager Paul First to lead the local outreach effort, fitting given Rocheleau’s understanding and appreciation that health and wellness involve a variety of dimensions, including social ones.
A recent, practical focus of the program, Rocheleau says, involves how best to get groceries and supplies to residents’ homes. Called the “Adopt a Neighbor” program, it brings together volunteers to make home deliveries as needed.
With food pantries seeing increased demand, Rocheleau has also been coordinating with his recreation and wellness counterpart in Gray and with other area organizations to “keep shelves stocked” and help ensure that those who may not be able to access food pantries are supported. “We want to work collaboratively” Rocheleau says, “and make it accommodating to everyone.”
The program is currently collecting donated items at the community building in the Town Hall complex. A bin is located on the community building ramp, with drop-offs encouraged weekdays from 9 to 5. Rocheleau coordinates with area organizations to identify high-demand items. He recently put out a call for ‘kid-friendly snacks.’ Last week pasta, dry beans, and practical paper products topped the wishlist. Requests and updates are posted on the NG parks and recreation page on Facebook.
One possible new need in the community may be for cloth facemasks, given the CDC’s recent recommendation to wear masks in public while also continuing social distancing. Rocheleau reports that he hasn’t yet received requests for facemasks but is open to coordinating with local resources if there’s a need.
In addition, Rocheleau is already looking ahead to the financial impact of the shutdown, especially once things begin to return to something more nearly like normal. At the moment, he says, many utilities and landlords “have hit pause” – for example, CMP has temporarily ceased disconnections. But what will happen once that pause ends and a return to business as usual begins? he wonders. He is exploring resources and brainstorming.
Meanwhile, the effort to combat social isolation, an initial goal of the program, is continuing, Rocheleau says. He is coordinating with the Southern Maine Area on Aging to offer baseline training for volunteers who might do wellness calling or other forms of personal outreach.
Rocheleau cites the outpouring of offers from local volunteers as “a reminder of the humanity here.” Beyond meeting residents’ immediate needs, the wellness outreach program seeks to forge community connection, a key aspect of well-being at any time but perhaps especially now.
Rocheleau can be reached at 926-4126 ext. 231 or by email at recdirector@newgloucester.com Community members—whether seeking or offering support or resources—can also take part by ‘enrolling’ at the parks and recreation website: ngparksandrecreation.com.
