Khmer Maine Accepts SMAA Community Partner of the Year Award
Last Friday, we had the distinct honor of accepting the Community Partner of the Year award from the Southern Maine Agency on Aging. We were joined by Rep. Kristen Cloutier, who received the Champion for Older Adults Award, as well as Herb Janick, who was recognized with the Volunteer of the Year Award. Congratulations to all the recipients for their well-deserved recognition! Since partnering as a subgrantee in 2023 and hosting our elder health and wellness classes at their Biddeford headquarters, the expansion and success of our program would not have been possible without the invaluable support of SMAA.
Our Food & Farm Manager, Bunly Uy, delivered thoughtful remarks and proudly accepted the award on our behalf:
Good afternoon, everyone.
I am deeply honored to be here today to accept this Community Partner of the Year Award on behalf of Khmer Maine.
First and foremost, thank you to the Southern Maine Agency on Aging for this recognition and for the meaningful partnership we’ve built together. This award is not only an acknowledgment of our organization, but also of the incredible collaboration and care that goes into serving our elders.
Our relationship with SMAA began in 2022 and 2023, when Khmer Maine first partnered as a subgrantee through ARPA funding. That initial collaboration laid the foundation for trust and partnership, and it gave us the resources to meet elders where they are and address pressing needs in our community.
Last year, through our Elder Health and Wellness program, we saw firsthand how much can be accomplished when we work hand-in-hand. The success of that program was made possible because of the tremendous support from Meredith, SMAA’s volunteers, and our own Khmer Maine staff and volunteers. From coordinating medical professionals and presenters, to transporting elders, setting up and facilitating sessions, and even picking up lunches—it truly took a whole community. Together, we ensured that our elders felt supported, respected, and cared for every step of the way.
For Khmer Maine, this work is very personal. Many of our elders carry not only the wisdom and traditions of our community, but also the struggles and sacrifices of rebuilding their lives here in Maine after the Cambodian genocide. To honor them with programs that prioritize their health and well-being is central to our mission, and SMAA has been a steadfast partner in making that possible.
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue this partnership with a new series of Elder Health and Wellness programs this coming fall. We know that together, we can keep building spaces where our elders not only receive the care and resources they need, but also feel a true sense of belonging.
On behalf of Khmer Maine, thank you again to the Southern Maine Agency on Aging for this recognition and for walking alongside us in this important work. We are grateful, and we look forward to all that we will accomplish together.
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