For more information about Senior Connection Center press releases and announcements, please contact Public Information Officer, Patty Suarez at Patty.Suarez@sccmail.org or (813)676-5616.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Patty Suarez
Patty.Suarez@sccmail.org
813-676-5616

TAMPA, FL  –  The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) has announced that Senior Connection Center’s annual Rise & Shine Awards Breakfast and Fundraiser is being recognized with an Aging Innovations Award, the highest honor presented by n4a to member agencies. The awards program is supported by WellCare Health Plans. The Rise & Shine event was among the top 16 of 45 local aging programs to receive honors during the n4a Annual Conference & Tradeshow, July 28–August 1, in Chicago, IL.

The 2018 n4a Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards recognizes Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Title VI Native American aging programs that develop and implement cutting-edge approaches to support older adults, people with disabilities and their family caregivers. A part of the criteria for the selection of the honorees was the ease with which other agencies could replicate the program in their communities.

“With the health care landscape changing at a rapid pace, our members continue to meet the needs of America’s rapidly growing older adult population by finding new ways to position themselves in the long-term and health care marketplaces while strengthening the services they already offer,” said n4a’s Chief Executive Officer Sandy Markwood. “Our members work tirelessly, with little fanfare in their communities, and this program enables us to shine a well-deserved spotlight on their critical work to support older adults’ health, safety, independence and dignity,” said Markwood.

Three years ago, SCC created the Rise & Shine Awards Breakfast and Fundraiser to not only celebrate the achievements of local seniors who are impacting their communities in positive ways, but to also raise funds for less-fortunate seniors. Proceeds from the event are used for Crisis Funds, which are awarded to seniors in emergency situations and Mini-Grants, which are awarded to local nonprofits who, in turn, use the funds to leverage the impact their existing programs and volunteers have on assisting seniors-in-need.

“Rise & Shine has become a much-anticipated event among members of our community who work with or provide services to seniors. Of course, it’s great to celebrate the achievements of local seniors, but the event is even more rewarding because it raises funds to help those who are less-fortunate,” says Charlotte McHenry, President & CEO of Senior Connection Center. “Receiving this national award puts a bigger spotlight on our initiative. We hope it will serve as a model for other organizations that serve seniors throughout the country.”

 The 2018 n4a Aging Innovations Awards honored traditional and new strategies in a range of categories including Caregiving, Community Planning & Livable Communities, Economic Security, Elder Abuse Prevention, Health-LTSS Integration, Healthy Aging, Home & Community-Based Services, Information & Referral/Access to Services, Transportation & Mobility and Workforce Development.

All winners are showcased in an n4a publication.  

About Senior Connection Center
Senior Connection Center (SCC) is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to help older adults and persons with disabilities live with independence and dignity. SCC is the Area Agency on Aging and the Aging & Disability Resource Center serving Hillsborough, Manatee, Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties. (www.SeniorConnectionCenter.org)

About n4a
The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) is the leading voice on aging issues for the 622 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the country and a champion in our nation’s capital for the more than 250 Title VI Native American aging programs. n4a’s primary mission is to build the capacity of our members so they can help older adults and people with disabilities live with dignity and choices in their homes and communities for as long as possible. (www.n4a.org / www.facebook.com/n4aACTION)