Program Highlights

Mary Katsarelas receives KUDOS from AAA 1-B

Submitted by Shelby Coolbaugh on Tue, 04/13/2021 - 09:24
Mary Katsarelas, local ombudsman for AAA Region 1-B received a KUDOS award from AAA 1-B for her outstanding contributions to the Fox2 News coverage on the No Wrong Door grant.

 

"Without Mary's connections and hard work, we would not have been able to get media coverage of our distribution of robotic pets and other devices to nursing homes. Mary coordinated with the West Bloomfield Health and Rehab Center to allow us to come into the home and set up for the Fox2 News segment. She also participated as an interviewee and did quite well. It was an excellent piece, thanks to her efforts!"

 

Elaine Hearns and Louise Verbeke, Local Ombudsman in Region 1-B also coordinated the distribution to nursing homes they serve.

 

Congratulations to Mary for her KUDOS award.  Many thanks to Mary, Elaine and Louise for supporting residents through this program!  

33 years of Service

Submitted by Shelby Coolbaugh on Thu, 10/10/2019 - 14:55

Congratulations Sally Bruce on your 33 years of outstanding dedication and commitment advocating for the elders of the Upper Peninsula.  We are so happy and proud of you for all you’ve accomplished.  Through the years, your talents and efforts have helped our success.  We sincerely appreciate your hard work and efforts year over year.  THANK YOU for your many wonderful years of service!

Call To Justice Award

Submitted by Shelby Coolbaugh on Mon, 08/26/2019 - 14:04

On August 14, 2019, Elder Law of Michigan honored Kelly Jonker, Certified Long-Term Care Ombudsman, with the 2019 Joe D. Sutton Call to Justice Award for her elder abuse prevention work.

The Joe D. Sutton Call to Justice Awards honor those that share the mission of Elder Law of Michigan, Inc. to advocate for, educate, and assist those in need, with a continued focus on older adults and persons with disabilities.

Ron Tatro, Vice President of Elder Law of Michigan, said, “Ombudsmen play a vital role in protecting seniors and others living in care facilities. Kelly is recognized as a leader in those efforts often going above and beyond to protect patients.”

Kelly graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She has been a Long-Term Care Ombudsman for 10 years covering Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties.

Kelly is an active member of the Elder Death Review Team, Kalamazoo County Elder Abuse Coalition, and the Elder Abuse Prevention of Branch and St. Joseph counties. She is currently participating with the Attorney General’s Michigan Elder Abuse Task Force.

Congratulations Kelly!

For more information on the Call To Justice award please click here.