Lifesprings' History
2006:
Through meetings with Poland Town Manager, CEO, Economic Development Committee, Planning Board and the Board of Selectman, the goal of having housing for seniors was encouraged.
The first survey of Poland's registered voters was done at the April 2006 Town Meeting. People interested in forming such a committee left names to be contacted.
The Founding Committee was formed in June 2006, and tallied the 89 surveys and found interest in Poland housing for seniors.
Monthly meeting have been held since June 2006 on the second Tuesday at Ricker memorial Library at 7 PM.
A county graph of populations (current & projected) was also used to determine that is would be feasible to rent to seniors.
The planning board worked on 55+ older seniors adult residential communities sections of the town Comprehensive Plan to show approximate minimum lot and home sizes.
The Committee met with developers and business folk who have planned, built and rented to seniors.
2007:
Accountant - Virginia Fowler EA help us begin a business plan.
Called - Lifesprings, Inc.
Vision - The vision is for local seniors to have a place where they can live comfortably within their community
Missions - Lifesprings, Inc. is a group of volunteers dedicated to provide seniors with economical, quality housing in which to live with pride and dignity.
We applied and became a non-profit corporation in the State of Maine with directors, officers, and committees.
We began filing 501(c)3 papers. Received our IRS Employer Identification Number.
A file was started for possible grants and funding sources (such as, USDA, Rural Development, Libra)
Decision made by study committee to become "Planning and Building Committee." The first building phase will be to rent 12-14 apartments named independent living for ambulatory seniors. Home Style will fit town description of New England Village, on one floor, one level, 1 or 2 bedrooms, probably duplexes or triplexes in cluster of 2's & 3's.
2008
Address is established - PO Box 121, West Poland, Maine 04291.
We retained attorney Jack Conway. A bank account was opened at TD Bank.
We identified and researched our competitors in nearby cities and towns. Filed their admission policies.
We joined the Maine Association of Non Profits (MANP).
We planned and presented a presence in the community telling of our vision and Phase #1 Plan. We used print (Town managers's Newsletter, local papers, brochure, handouts and letters to area churches and fraternal organizations asking for support in their name), on TV access Channel for info and charitable donations, and participated at Community Fair Days and Craft Fairs.
A second housing survey was offered at the polls in June of 2008, in Minot, Poland and Mechanic Falls giving residents an update on our work and asking for input on affordable Senior Housing. The response was favorable.
More publicity at 3 town offices and the 2 libraries was presented in the Fall. We also offered a "Forum on Energy" to the tri town seniors. Laurie Levine was the facilitator. Our local Fire, Rescue, and Sheriff Department were presenters offer safety advice and help. Excelsior Grange partnered with us providing refreshments and meeting place.
2009
As we presently are researching funding and grant writing, we find that we can go no further with our business Plan until we secure land to build the senior apartments for independent living.