LEADS COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Community of Vermont Elders (COVE): COVE is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to education, policy development, and advocacy for Vermont’s elders. It provides education and information to legislators, government agencies, elders and their families, communities, and senior service providers on proposed and current policies and programs affecting Vermont’s aging network, with the overall goal of promoting improved quality of life for Vermont seniors.

Coastal Enterprises, Inc.: A private nonprofit community development corporation, CEI’s mission is to help create economically and environmentally healthy communities in which all people, especially those with low incomes, can achieve their full potential. In 2001, CEI partnered with PHI and the Maine Center for Economic Policy to improve the quality of jobs for direct-care workers by increasing wages and benefits, creating career ladders, and implementing workplace culture change. CEI helped establish the Maine Direct Care Workers Coalition and to implement peer mentoring and culture change projects in several Maine nursing homes.

Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine: The recipient of a Real Choices grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Muskie School has supported the development of Maine Personal Assistance Services Association (PASA). Maine PASA serves as a professional association for direct-care workers across long-term settings, providing opportunities for leadership development, advocacy, and training.

New Hampshire Community Loan Fund: A nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution, the NHCLF is the only community economic development organization of its kind serving the entire state of New Hampshire. Since 1984, the NHCLF has loaned more than $36 million to more than 350 community initiatives for affordable housing and community facilities that provide essential services such as child care. In 2000, the NHCLF, in partnership with the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, Catholic Charities, and PHI, founded Quality Care Partners, a home care services agency providing support and assistance to elders and people living with disabilities.

Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire: The Carsey Institute conducts interdisciplinary policy research on families and communities and sponsors forums on important issues affecting them, often with special attention to small cities and rural communities. Current research areas include (a) the link between environmental stewardship and equitable work, housing and transportation opportunities, and (b) challenges facing low and moderate income working women, including caregivers.