Community Hero Award presented to community member and local organization

The Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington (AAADSW) honors the people in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties who serve older adults. A senior hero is a person who serves older adults with excellence and compassion. This prestigious annual award program brings together county, city, and civic leaders to honor the people in our communities who serve older adults. This is the third year Senior Heroes has presented awards specific to Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties. The honorees were nominated by members of the community, and two deserving “community heroes” were presented with awards at a ceremony on Wednesday, March 12, at the Hope Center.

The Lions Club has been a community service organization in Cathlamet for more than 58 years. The Lions Club mission is to empower volunteers and partners to improve health and well-being, strengthen communities, and support those in need through humanitarian service and grants that impact lives locally and encourage peace and international understanding. In Wahkiakum County, the Lions Club has a medical loan closet, which allows older adults in the community to access durable medical equipment, like hospital beds, walkers, wheelchairs, and much more. One local senior was able to get much-needed eye surgery, which was funded by grants through Lions Club International.

Community Volunteer Season Long looks for ways to help her community thrive. She organized the Shoeboxes of Joy and collected small items in shoeboxes to be gifted to older adults who live in the area; many of whom live alone and often have no family to look out for them. These holiday gifts remind the recipients that they are not alone.

In addition to the Shoeboxes of Joy, Season also promotes and works on the weekly senior breakfast in Skamokawa, an opportunity for older adults to socialize and have a home-cooked meal. Everyone is encouraged to bring something to share, allowing the attendees to show off their baking/cooking skills and feel a sense of community.

“All of these honorees serve older adults with compassion and excellence in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties,” said AAADSW Executive Director Mike Reardon. “It’s an honor to present these awards to our 2024 senior heroes. Our honorees truly make a positive difference in the lives of seniors in the community.”

AAADSW connects older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers to a full range of community resources designed to offer choice, improve quality of life, and respect independence.

AAADSW is committed to helping our community’s adults live and age well and serves adults in Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Skamania, and Klickitat counties. Requests for information, assistance, and general inquiries may be directed to (360) 577-4929. To learn more, visit http://www.HelpingEders.org.