2021 ANNUAL REPORT

A Message from Board President Stephanie Clement

Twenty-five years of neighbors helping neighbors-that is an anniversary worth celebrating! As I look back on the accomplishments of 2021, I am incredibly grateful for the team of board members, staff, and volunteers who worked together last year to provide critically needed transportation services, even while facing a global pandemic. I thank Doreen Willett for her many years of leadership, and I am thrilled that Sharon Linscott has seamlessly taken on the role of Executive Director. I am honored to serve with a wonderful group of individuals on the board who help guide our organization forward.

I am in awe of all that Island Connections accomplishes, supporting our Neighbors in the Mount Desert Island region. This annual report provides a concise summary of our 2021 accomplishments. What it doesn't convey, however, is the heart of the organization-the dedication of our volunteers, the passion and talent of our staff, the devotion of our board members, and the kindness that envelopes our relationships. Many thanks to everyone who supports this organization with your time, talents, and financial support. Here's to the next 25 years!

2021 Report from Executive Director Sharon Linscott

Island Connections continued to navigate the COVID pandemic through 2021. With our COVID protocols in place, we are proud to say there were no transmissions of COVID between volunteer driver and Neighbor during any Island Connections ride.

Our focus was providing rides to medical appointments and for groceries. Our meal routes doubled with the addition of the Food Access Project routes. In 2021, we delivered over 20,000 meals for Meals on Wheels and 3,140 food boxes for the Food Access Project.

The only fundraising event we were able to hold in 2021 was our holiday raffle. Our 2nd Annual Provide a Ride Match Campaign in July raised over $34,000.

We added 58 new Neighbors and 33 new Volunteer Drivers in 2021.

Island Connections' overall goal is to continue providing free transportation, delivering food to our neighbors, and being recognized in the community as an essential resource. It is through the big hearts of our core group of volunteer drivers and the generosity of our donors that we are able to do this good and much needed work. We are looking forward to another successful year!