Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services won awards from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging for two trailblazing initiatives.

It won an "Innovations Award for its Livable Communities Care Circles of Westchester “Step Forward and Give Back” program. Here volunteers team up to help an individual – usually an older person – with tasks of daily living that cannot be met with public funds such as walking the dog, running errands or simply providing companionship.

It also won an Achievement Award for its Think Tank project where college students brainstormed for ways to increase transportation options for seniors who live in Westchester’s rural northeast region.
 “Senior Programs and Services does it again,” said Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino. 

“The excellence of its programs and its leadership on senior issues continues to win awards and set the pace across the country.  We could not be more proud.”

Astorino presented certificates of appreciation to the Think Tank students at an April breakfast in his office. The project was coordinated by the Westchester Alliance of Academic Institutions for Aging Related Studies and Workforce Development.

DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter said the county is honored to receive such recognition from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, and have its work showcased in such a special way.
 “Our department takes pride in providing cutting-edge leadership to improve the quality of life for older persons – not only in Westchester but as a role model around the country,” she said.

The awards will be presented at the association’s annual conference in Louisville in late July.