Congratulations to all of our 2023 Award Recipients! Direction Home hosted its annual Awards Ceremony at a luncheon on December 8, 2023. Several award winners were honored for the contributions to their communities; the Senior Hall of Fame, Home Health Aide Hall of Fame, the Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities Harvey L. Sterns Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Volunteer Ombudsman of Distinction Award are presented to recipients to acknowledge their efforts to support older adults and individuals with disabilities.
Harvey L. Sterns Lifetime Achievement Award: Ella Massaro Kick
The Direction Home Lifetime Achievement Award is named after Dr. Harvey Sterns- professor emeritus at the University of Akron, co-chair of the Akron Mayor’s Commission on Aging, and, of course, Direction Home board member, among so many other accomplishments. The recipient of this year’s lifetime achievement award shares his enthusiasm: Ella Massaro Kick,
Ella is an avid volunteer through her work with St. Vincent de Paul of Wooster, and Direction Home's Areawide Advocacy Council and Volunteer Ombudsman program. Ella was recently recognized at the State of Ohio Senior Citizen's Hall of Fame, and was presented with the Volunteer Ombudsman Award of Distinction at last year's Awards Ceremony. Ella has over 80 years of experience in gerontology under her belt, effectively pioneering the field in the U.S.
Joseph L. Ruby Student Scholarship: Natalie Wammes
The recipient of this year’s Joseph L. Ruby Scholarship is not only a student, but also an older adult case manager at Jewish Family Services and field placement at Pebble Creek. Natalie Wammes is attending the University of Kentucky to receive her Master’s in Social Work. Her undergraduate degree at University of Dayton was in Psychology, with a minor in Social Work.
Volunteer Ombudsman Award of Distinction: Nora Stadler
This year, the Volunteer Ombudsman Award of Distinction was presented to Nora Stadler. Nora has been a volunteer Ombudsman since 2020, and her current facilities are Maplewood of Cuyahoga Falls and Continuing Healthcare of Cuyahoga Falls.
For our Home Health Aide Hall of Fame, each of our award recipients all bring the passion, dedication, and talent to home health. Their compassion makes it possible for others to age well and independently in the place they want to call home.
Home Health Aide Hall of Fame: Lauretta Guy
"Lauretta is someone who shows the compassion an aide should have for their job. Someone who puts their client first and makes sure that they have had all their needs met."
Home Health Aide Hall of Fame: Sarah Jones
"All her clients enjoy having her and state that she is always a joy to work with and has a great personality. She follows all policies and turns in all paperwork on time."
Home Health Aide Hall of Fame: Pamela Moore Powers
"Pam always has a smile on her face no matter the circumstance. Pam truly enjoys her role as a home health aide and has a true concern for all her clients. She is always respectful towards her clients and goes above and beyond!"
Health Aide Hall of Fame: Angela Hardbarger
"Angie is very dependable, patients love her and the staff look up to her as someone to model as far as patient care."
For the Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, each of our recipients have wonderful stories of excellence that they will humbly define as ordinary days. Each one is dedicated, accomplished, and embodies a picture of positive aging and admiration of service.
Senior Citizens Hall of Fame: Pete Mahoney
"Pete is recognized by so many people for his energy and positive outlook on life. His "Can Do" attitude and let's make a difference to someone in need in our community. He shows that even as we age, we can make a huge difference in the life of the elderly, the young or those with disabilities."
Senior Citizens Hall of Fame: Arlene Nussbaum
"Arlene is extremely dedicated to our mission, she has been a member of the Board of Directors for the past several years... volunteers prepared and delivered a turkey dinner to all of our care receivers. Arlene always prepared the sweet potato casserole for over one hundred dinners!"
Senior Citizens Hall of Fame: Robert Hawkins
"Bob knows that caring for a family member is a full-time labor of love. During his caregiver support group meetings, he talks about the importance of taking time for yourself, including participating in activities, exercising and socializing. He shows that although life may have thrown a curveball, it still can be enjoyable."
Senior Citizens Hall of Fame: Cheryl Davis
"Cheryl is the president of St. Vincent de Paul in Wooster. She orients potential members of St. Vincent de Paul in a four-county area, and orients potential home visitors in those counties. She also volunteers at hospice in Wooster, parish council, and works part-time. She has experienced several challenges in the past three years that haven't stopped her volunteerism."
Raffle Total: $180,738
Raffle Top Ticket Sales: Missy Sell, Nathan Wise, Angela Anderson, Lori Smith, Monica Fredmonsky
Raffle Winners: Stephen Colecchi, Kacinda Mitchell, Courtney Flickinger, Abigail Sigmon, Robert Bajko, Tom Clinton, Kristy Shull, Shawntaye Jones, Rhonda Reed, Jessica Bader
Raffle Top Donors/Sponsors: Northeast Professional Caregivers, Simply EZ, Joseph L. Ruby, NFP, Family & Community Services in partnership with Axesspointe, Foundations Health Solutions, Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro's Department of Job & Family Services, Peters & Elliott Co, LPA
THANK YOU to our 2023 Awards Ceremony Sponsors:
“Northeast Professional Caregivers is pleased to sponsor the Annual Awards Ceremony and provide the much-needed support to seniors in the community. Thanks to Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities for improving the health of our neighbors and friends.”
