"I didn't know that service was available," was the rousing chorus heard from our participants at January's round table discussion on healthcare resources for our peninsula.

The Boothbay Region Health & Wellness Foundation is working to help our community envision exactly what we want for health and wellness resources — and we also want to help highlight the wonderful resources that are already available to everyone, though they may not be fully aware of them.

The Boothbay Region Community Resources (BRCR) is a fantastic place to begin, as it is a clearinghouse of many social services available to the people of our area. The nonprofit, led by a council, employs licensed social worker Michaela Stone.

Stone is the state's first "community navigator," helping to assist clients in a confidential manner with with fuel, food, transportation and clothing needs. She can also help with finding healthcare and figuring out medical bills and other paperwork.

Stone will give an overview of the services she provides in her capacity as Community Navigator, along with a description of the many groups the BRCR encompasses, including fuel assistance, “The Woodchucks,” community clothing closet, Set for Success Back to School Program, Boothbay Region Food Pantry and Warming Lunches. She will also touch upon how you can be of assistance to these groups.

Join Stone and the Wellness Foundation at the next "Third Thursday" discussion, set for March 20 at 6:30 p.m., to be held at the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor. A Q&A session will follow Stone’s talk, and she will have informational handouts available. As always, these talks are free and open to the public, so bring a friend who may be interested in receiving aid or helping to lend a hand.