The Masonic Assistance Program for Seniors received the highest honor presented by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
The COEDD-Area Agency on Aging announced that MAPS received the Aging Innovations Award, sponsored by Critical Signal Technologies.
“We’re pretty excited,” John Shea, director of Aging Services for COEDD, said. “There were over 80 nominations and we were one of 16 nationwide to receive the award ... We were also second in terms of monetary awards and received $1,500.”
MAPS is a partnership between 11 aging agencies in the Oklahoma area and the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, Shea said.
“The program assists persons 55 years of age and older with direct services that previously were unmet,” Shea said. “The program was developed to fill the gaps in services so that older persons could continue to live independently. COEDD-Area Agency on Aging based in Shawnee offers minor home repairs, construction of wheelchair ramps, handicap modifications to bathrooms, purchase of eye glasses, dentures and other health and safety threats.”
Shea said the various programs that were acknowledged through receipt of the award will “serve as models for other agencies seeking innovative approaches to address the needs of the older population within their communities.”
“The need for successful, cost-effective aging programs is especially important in light of the wave of aging baby boomers expected to require such services,” he said.
Other Aging Innovations Awards were presented to organizations in categories such as ethnic and cultural diversity, healthy aging, home and community-based care, nutrition and volunteerism, Shea said.
For more information about senior assistance programs, call 273-6410 or 800-211-2116.
SHAWNEE, Okla. —
