At The Cedars, we are often asked what makes our community feel so different. Our history and mission lay the foundation, but the heart of our organization is the people who dedicate their careers to the health and happiness of our residents. We’re proud to share news that highlights the high caliber of our team. Our dining partner, Unidine, is part of the CCL Hospitality Group—a massive organization with a presence in 44 states and over 850 communities nationwide. Within this vast network of thousands of healthcare and culinary professionals, one name has risen to the top this year: our very own Jenny Maynard. Jenny was recently named a National Runner-Up for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) of the Year Award. To be recognized as one of the top two leaders across nearly a thousand communities is a staggering achievement and a testament to the excellence she brings to...
The Cedars is proud to announce that we have received the Designation of Excellence in Person-Centered Long-Term Care from the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing at NYU. The Cedars is among the first in the country to receive this distinguished designation. This honor is a powerful reflection of the compassion, commitment, and excellence our staff brings to their work every single day. It recognizes not only the quality of care we provide, but the heart and humanity behind it. Learn More...
We’re thrilled to share The Cedars 2025 Philanthropy Report – a celebration of the incredible impact our donors made possible. 🌟 Discover how your generosity transformed the lives of Maine’s older adults from May 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025. This year’s report highlights powerful stories of progress in clinical excellence, workforce development, and person-centered programs – all thanks to your support. This report is our heartfelt tribute to the families, individuals, corporations, and foundations who stood with us. Your compassion is shaping a brighter, more dignified future for aging in Maine. 👉 View the 2025 Philanthropy Report Need help accessing the report or prefer a printed copy? Contact Tracy Ericson, Associate Director of Development, at tericson@thecedarsportland.org or 207.221.7007. Thank you for being part of this journey!...
The Cedars Learning Community is proud to welcome Dr. Susan Wehry as our new Medical Advisor. A board-certified Gero psychiatrist with over 40 years of experience, Dr. Wehry is a nationally recognized leader in aging and dementia care. She currently directs AgingME, Maine’s Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program, and serves as Associate Clinical Professor at the University of New England. Dr. Wehry will guide research, workforce development, clinical standards, and resident programming at The Cedars. Her expertise will be especially impactful in our Mindful Connections program, translating evidence-based dementia engagement strategies into meaningful experiences. We are honored to have Dr. Wehry to help advance our mission and shape the future of geriatric care....
At the Association of Jewish Aging Services Conference in May 2025, The Cedars proudly received the AJAS Innovation Igniter Award for its groundbreaking course, Story as Medicine: Uniting Generations through Narrative Medicine. This innovative program, developed in collaboration with the University of Southern Maine Honors Program, pairs healthcare students with older adult mentors, known as “elder teachers,” to explore and share stories of health and wellness. Robin Moore’s quote, “Inside each of us is a natural-born storyteller waiting to be released,” captures the essence of this transformative four-credit course. Over six years, it has enriched the lives of around 60 students and 60 residents, fostering meaningful connections and enhancing students’ narrative skills for patient-centered care. Participants engage in dynamic workshops, crafting personal essays and illness narratives, and learning to listen actively to their elder teachers. This immersive experience cultivates compassion, empathy, and crit The Cedars’ innovative approach not only...
Richard Borts, the dynamic Chair of The Cedars Board of Trustees, has been a tireless volunteer and advocate for over two decades. His unwavering dedication has earned him the prestigious Trustee of the Year Award from the Association of Jewish Aging Services (AJAS). This esteemed organization represents over a hundred Jewish-sponsored, not-for-profit older adult care organizations across North America and Israel. The Cedars has proudly been a member of AJAS since its inception in 1960. The award was presented during AJAS’s Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in May 2025. This accolade is bestowed annually upon a trustee who has made significant contributions to enriching the lives and well-being of older adults, demonstrating personal commitment, outstanding leadership, and a profound impact on the organization and community. Richard embodies these qualities, fostering growth, change, and vision through his deep understanding and dedication to The Cedars’ and AJAS’s missions of honoring our...
The Cedars senior living community in Portland, in collaboration with the Westbrook Housing Authority and University of New England School of Nursing, proudly announces the launch of Telehealth Intervention Programs for Seniors (TIPS), an innovative initiative designed to enhance social connection and improve health and wellbeing among Maine’s older adult population. The kick-off presentation took place last Friday at the Robert L. Harnois Apartments, Westbrook Housing Authority. The program is directed by The Cedars’ Sue Dionne-Jones, VP of Nursing! TIPS offers weekly health checks from a licensed nurse such as blood pressure, oxygen levels, pulse, etc. “The Cedars views TIPS as a proactive measure to empower older adults to maintain independent living at home while significantly enhancing their well-being and community involvement,” said Kathryn Callnan, President and CEO of The Cedars. “By addressing both medical and social needs, we anticipate a reduction in hospitalizations, rehospitalizations, emergency room visits, and...
We are SO excited that our very own Jenna Perkins, CNA-M, has been honored with the LeadingAge Maine & New Hampshire Standing Ovation Award! Jenna was given the Benjamin G. Elder Memorial Award for Excellence in Service at the LeadingAge Conference yesterday with her parents and Cedars’ leadership there to support! Jenna truly exemplifies what it means to be a team player and her compassion is palpable. “She is a team player and so willing to help. Jenna’s end goal is always excellent patient care.” states Nursing Administrative Coordinator, Debra Russell. Jenna puts the residents first and truly defines the practice of person-centered care. Jenna joined The Cedars as a CNA in long-term care in 2017 and has continued her education enrolling in an Associates nursing program this past fall. We could not be prouder of Jenna and know she will continue to grow and thrive in her field, touching...
Under the auspices of Spiritual Care Services of Maine, Sally Thomas has been providing chaplain services at The Cedars since June of 2023. She visits each of four Cedars neighborhoods once a month, offering both one on one pastoral care and group conversation. In each neighborhood she works with the Lifestyles Managers to help her understand what might be interesting or useful and then makes plans for conversation for each setting. Like many chaplains she knows, much of her training was gotten in a medical setting–in her case, during the many years she worked as an RN in oncology. Her monthly visits to the Atrium follow a pattern: first she checks with participants giving each a chance to share what’s on their mind; then she presents a story, usually with material props of some kind, to provide a basis for spiritual conversation. (At a recent meeting, in telling an...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Leadership.
The Cedars develops new programs and technologies, advances critical research, and expands person-centered care. Here are just a few examples: Advancing Clinical Excellence The Cedars Skilled Nursing was one of only 500 programs nationwide recognized by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement as an Age-Friendly Health System Committed to Care Excellence, a national initiative to improve quality of care for older adults. Advancing Programs for Residents As part of our diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion program, The Cedars partnered with the Portland Museum of Art to provide the first museum-based art program for people living with dementia and their care partners, a creative, supportive way to connect with their greater community. Advancing Research The Cedars partnered with the University of New England (UNE) in a groundbreaking study of people living with dementia to explore best practices for engagement and growth, and to change perceptions about memory loss. Advancing Workforce Development...
The Cedars is proud to announce that we have received the Designation of Excellence in Person-Centered Long-Term Care from the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing at NYU. The Cedars is among the first in the country to receive this distinguished designation. This honor is a powerful reflection of the compassion, commitment, and excellence our staff brings to their work every single day. It recognizes not only the quality of care we provide, but the heart and humanity behind it. Learn More...
We’re thrilled to share The Cedars 2025 Philanthropy Report – a celebration of the incredible impact our donors made possible. 🌟 Discover how your generosity transformed the lives of Maine’s older adults from May 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025. This year’s report highlights powerful stories of progress in clinical excellence, workforce development, and person-centered programs – all thanks to your support. This report is our heartfelt tribute to the families, individuals, corporations, and foundations who stood with us. Your compassion is shaping a brighter, more dignified future for aging in Maine. 👉 View the 2025 Philanthropy Report Need help accessing the report or prefer a printed copy? Contact Tracy Ericson, Associate Director of Development, at tericson@thecedarsportland.org or 207.221.7007. Thank you for being part of this journey!...
The Cedars Learning Community is proud to welcome Dr. Susan Wehry as our new Medical Advisor. A board-certified Gero psychiatrist with over 40 years of experience, Dr. Wehry is a nationally recognized leader in aging and dementia care. She currently directs AgingME, Maine’s Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program, and serves as Associate Clinical Professor at the University of New England. Dr. Wehry will guide research, workforce development, clinical standards, and resident programming at The Cedars. Her expertise will be especially impactful in our Mindful Connections program, translating evidence-based dementia engagement strategies into meaningful experiences. We are honored to have Dr. Wehry to help advance our mission and shape the future of geriatric care....
At the Association of Jewish Aging Services Conference in May 2025, The Cedars proudly received the AJAS Innovation Igniter Award for its groundbreaking course, Story as Medicine: Uniting Generations through Narrative Medicine. This innovative program, developed in collaboration with the University of Southern Maine Honors Program, pairs healthcare students with older adult mentors, known as “elder teachers,” to explore and share stories of health and wellness. Robin Moore’s quote, “Inside each of us is a natural-born storyteller waiting to be released,” captures the essence of this transformative four-credit course. Over six years, it has enriched the lives of around 60 students and 60 residents, fostering meaningful connections and enhancing students’ narrative skills for patient-centered care. Participants engage in dynamic workshops, crafting personal essays and illness narratives, and learning to listen actively to their elder teachers. This immersive experience cultivates compassion, empathy, and crit The Cedars’ innovative approach not only...
Richard Borts, the dynamic Chair of The Cedars Board of Trustees, has been a tireless volunteer and advocate for over two decades. His unwavering dedication has earned him the prestigious Trustee of the Year Award from the Association of Jewish Aging Services (AJAS). This esteemed organization represents over a hundred Jewish-sponsored, not-for-profit older adult care organizations across North America and Israel. The Cedars has proudly been a member of AJAS since its inception in 1960. The award was presented during AJAS’s Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in May 2025. This accolade is bestowed annually upon a trustee who has made significant contributions to enriching the lives and well-being of older adults, demonstrating personal commitment, outstanding leadership, and a profound impact on the organization and community. Richard embodies these qualities, fostering growth, change, and vision through his deep understanding and dedication to The Cedars’ and AJAS’s missions of honoring our...
We are SO excited that our very own Jenna Perkins, CNA-M, has been honored with the LeadingAge Maine & New Hampshire Standing Ovation Award! Jenna was given the Benjamin G. Elder Memorial Award for Excellence in Service at the LeadingAge Conference yesterday with her parents and Cedars’ leadership there to support! Jenna truly exemplifies what it means to be a team player and her compassion is palpable. “She is a team player and so willing to help. Jenna’s end goal is always excellent patient care.” states Nursing Administrative Coordinator, Debra Russell. Jenna puts the residents first and truly defines the practice of person-centered care. Jenna joined The Cedars as a CNA in long-term care in 2017 and has continued her education enrolling in an Associates nursing program this past fall. We could not be prouder of Jenna and know she will continue to grow and thrive in her field, touching...
Under the auspices of Spiritual Care Services of Maine, Sally Thomas has been providing chaplain services at The Cedars since June of 2023. She visits each of four Cedars neighborhoods once a month, offering both one on one pastoral care and group conversation. In each neighborhood she works with the Lifestyles Managers to help her understand what might be interesting or useful and then makes plans for conversation for each setting. Like many chaplains she knows, much of her training was gotten in a medical setting–in her case, during the many years she worked as an RN in oncology. Her monthly visits to the Atrium follow a pattern: first she checks with participants giving each a chance to share what’s on their mind; then she presents a story, usually with material props of some kind, to provide a basis for spiritual conversation. (At a recent meeting, in telling an...
The Cedars develops new programs and technologies, advances critical research, and expands person-centered care. Here are just a few examples: Advancing Clinical Excellence The Cedars Skilled Nursing was one of only 500 programs nationwide recognized by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement as an Age-Friendly Health System Committed to Care Excellence, a national initiative to improve quality of care for older adults. Advancing Programs for Residents As part of our diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion program, The Cedars partnered with the Portland Museum of Art to provide the first museum-based art program for people living with dementia and their care partners, a creative, supportive way to connect with their greater community. Advancing Research The Cedars partnered with the University of New England (UNE) in a groundbreaking study of people living with dementia to explore best practices for engagement and growth, and to change perceptions about memory loss. Advancing Workforce Development...