NSB Continues Support of Elder Abuse Institute of Maine in Brunswick
BRUNSWICK—For decades, it has worked to ensure that every older person affected by abuse receives the support, resources, and services needed to find the path to a better life.
The Elder Abuse Institute of Maine (EAIME) began as a multi-disciplinary coalition focused on addressing the needs of elder abuse victims in Portland. Today, the organization has broadened its services to include many outreach and education services:
- Martha’s Cottage, the first transitional home for older victims of abuse in Maine and one of very few such housing options in the country with locations in southern and midcoast Maine. The goal of this program is to help clients leave unsafe situations and transition into long-term safe housing of their choice. The house was named after Martha, who endured decades of abuse from her husband and shared her story to benefit others.
- Elder Service Connections, which works in partnership with Maine Adult Protective Services (APS) to provide auxiliary support to older adults that have opened cases with APS, specifically those affected by or at risk of being affected by financial exploitation, neglect, abuse, and/or self-neglect.
- A Helping Voice, which helps individuals assess if what they are observing is abuse, determine if they are a mandated reporter, and explore how to proceed.
EAIME also provides awareness and response workshops, conference presentations, and community talks throughout the state.
Norway Savings Bank is a longtime supporter of the benevolent organization. Most recently, NSB made a $500 donation to the institute.
“In addition to creating and maintaining safe housing for its clients, EAIME helps their clients with their most immediate and basic needs, like food, clothing, medical bills, transportation, and so much more. Their efforts to make people aware of this problem through education and community engagement are crucial as well,” said Dan Walsh, President and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “We’re grateful for their work and happy to stand behind them as they continue to expand and grow in offerings and impact.”
“Many of our clients arrive with little more than a small bag of bare essentials and no idea how to move forward in building a new life,” said Patricia Kimball, Executive Director of EAIME. “We couldn’t do the work we do without the contributions of members of our community like Norway Savings. We’re so thankful for our shared belief that all people, regardless of age, deserve the right to a peaceful life.”
To learn more about EAIME, its work, and how you can assist the organization in its mission, visit www.eaime.org.