Photo: Gerard Queally, CEO for Spectrum Generations, central Maine’s Aging and Disability Resource Center, was presented with an Aging Innovations Award for its We Sustain Maine Senior Nutrition Program while attending the n4a Answers on Aging Annual Conference & Tradeshow in Louisville, KY. From left: CST Director of Customer Support and Retention Heather Seller, CST Chief Clinical Officer Marguerite Linteau, Spectrum Generations CEO Gerard Queally, n4a President Nick Beamer.
Spectrum Generations announces that its We Sustain Maine – Senior Nutrition Program recently received recognition from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) with an Aging Innovations Award, the highest honor presented by n4a to member agencies. The awards program is sponsored by CST your Link to Life (CST-LTL). Spectrum Generations was among the top 13 of 57 local aging programs to receive honors during the n4a Annual Conference & Tradeshow, July 28-31, 2013, in Louisville, KY.
The 2013 n4a Aging Achievement Awards honored traditional and new strategies in a range of categories including Advocacy, Care Transitions, Caregiving, Community Planning/Livable Communities, Economic Security/Financial Assistance, Elder Abuse/Financial Exploitation Prevention, Ethnic/Cultural Diversity, Health / Long-Term Services & Supports Integration, Healthy Aging/Nutrition, Home & Community-Based Care, Information & Referral, Technology, Transportation/Mobility Options, Volunteerism/Civic Engagement and “You Name It!”
The financial climate and the rapidly aging of America necessitate creative and effective strategies to support the health and independence of older adults and people with disabilities now and in the future. The award-winning programs are testimony to the commitment of the Aging Network to seize opportunities and develop solutions that support successful aging in America. The honored programs are exemplary initiatives that others in the Aging Network can replicate in their local communities.
Spectrum Generations was the top award winner under the Healthy Aging/Nutrition category for its We Sustain Maine (WSM) Senior Nutrition Program. WSM was launched to provide higher quality, more nutritious meals for homebound and disabled adults who live in rural Maine and dine in our centers. Funding from individuals, foundations and organizations made it possible to modify two of its community center kitchens and purchase two flash freezers and other equipment to bulk purchase and store Maine food products during peak season for best taste and nutritional value for year round use. Maine food products now account for 29% of its nutrition program menu and we are well on our way to reaching 32% by close of fiscal year 2013.
According to Gerard Queally, CEO of Spectrum Generations, “I was honored to accept this award on behalf of our staff and Meals on Wheels volunteers who see the positive affects good nutrition has on the health of our seniors.”
