For many of us, our home is more than just a place to live; it’s a living scrapbook of a lifetime of memories. The creak in the floorboard, the height marks on the kitchen doorframe, the garden we’ve tended for decades—these are the things that make a house a home. So, it’s entirely natural for the thought of moving to a senior living community to feel overwhelming. The idea of leaving a place that holds so much history can be emotionally daunting. But what if the journey from house to home could be a celebration of your life, not an ending? What if it were the first step toward a new kind of freedom and joy? At The Atrium, we understand this journey is a major life transition, and our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way. Here are a few practical tips...
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...
The Cedars’ community-based Mindful Connections Program has been awarded a $125,000 grant from the Alzheimer’s Association’s Center for Dementia Respite Innovation (CDRI). This funding will enhance the quality and availability of dementia-specific respite care for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers in the Greater Portland area. The Cedars is one of just 41 organizations selected from more than 200 applicants nationwide to receive this competitive grant. The funding will support the expansion of Mindful Connections, a program that uses innovative, research-based therapies tailored to each participant’s unique life experiences and preferences. The program helps older adults with memory loss live in the moment with strength, purpose, and joy. Recognizing that dementia can accelerate both physical and mental decline, The Cedars takes a holistic approach to care, addressing six dimensions of wellness: physical, intellectual, occupational, social, spiritual, and emotional. Mindful Connections is designed for individuals in the early to moderate stages of memory loss...
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...
On January 22, 2025, the Maine State Capitol in Augusta hosted a significant event in honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness Day, bringing attention to the growing need for resources and support for individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The event gathered legislators, caregivers, and advocates, all united in their mission to raise awareness about the challenges faced by those living with dementia and their families. Keynote speakers and presentations underscored the importance of improving services and ensuring that those impacted by Alzheimer’s receive the care and respect they deserve. Angela Hunt, Chief Innovation Officer at The Cedars, staffed a table where she directly engaged with legislators, emphasizing the vital work The Cedars does in supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s and their families. Through innovative programs and personalized care models, The Cedars has been at the forefront of enhancing the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s....
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...
In the fall of 2022, the Portland Conservatory of Music and The Atrium at The Cedars started what has grown into a beautiful musical relationship. Faculty, student groups, and soloists from PCM perform on the 2nd Tuesday evening of each month to the gracious and engaging members of The Atrium. The music ranges from instrumental soloists to collaborations such as flute and violin, music from the Middle East on traditional instruments, classical and Spanish guitar, cello duets, string trios and quartets, and fiddle and accordion. Here is what some of the PCM faculty members have to say about their experience performing: “It was such a fun and fulfilling experience! The space is beautiful, I look forward to my next opportunity to perform there!” “The audience was very receptive to our performance. They enjoyed the explanation of each piece and composer which added to the overall experience” “There is...
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...
The Cedars’ community-based Mindful Connections Program has been awarded a $125,000 grant from the Alzheimer’s Association’s Center for Dementia Respite Innovation (CDRI). This funding will enhance the quality and availability of dementia-specific respite care for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers in the Greater Portland area. The Cedars is one of just 41 organizations selected from more than 200 applicants nationwide to receive this competitive grant. The funding will support the expansion of Mindful Connections, a program that uses innovative, research-based therapies tailored to each participant’s unique life experiences and preferences. The program helps older adults with memory loss live in the moment with strength, purpose, and joy. Recognizing that dementia can accelerate both physical and mental decline, The Cedars takes a holistic approach to care, addressing six dimensions of wellness: physical, intellectual, occupational, social, spiritual, and emotional. Mindful Connections is designed for individuals in the early to moderate stages of memory loss...
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...
In the fall of 2022, the Portland Conservatory of Music and The Atrium at The Cedars started what has grown into a beautiful musical relationship. Faculty, student groups, and soloists from PCM perform on the 2nd Tuesday evening of each month to the gracious and engaging members of The Atrium. The music ranges from instrumental soloists to collaborations such as flute and violin, music from the Middle East on traditional instruments, classical and Spanish guitar, cello duets, string trios and quartets, and fiddle and accordion. Here is what some of the PCM faculty members have to say about their experience performing: “It was such a fun and fulfilling experience! The space is beautiful, I look forward to my next opportunity to perform there!” “The audience was very receptive to our performance. They enjoyed the explanation of each piece and composer which added to the overall experience” “There is...