Senior Community Services Thanks UnitedHealth Group with Award

The following was released by Senior Community Services:

In an event hosted by legendary WCCO radio broadcaster Roger Erickson,  Senior Community Services’ (SCS) honored the significant, voluntary contributions made to older adults, and the caregivers they depend on, at their second annual Key Community Partner Awards on Oct. 26.  

In addition to Erickson’s warm, light-hearted welcome message the large gathering heard about the latest Alzheimer’s disease statistics and hopeful research findings from Michelle Barclay, Vice President of Program Services for the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota. 

This year’s Key Community Partners Award recipients are: River Inn of Hanover, Monticello Senior Center Board of Directors, community volunteer Joan Kittok, and UnitedHealth Group. Key Community Partners Awards recognize the outstanding effort and positive impact the recipients have had on seniors in their communities. 

Over the last two years, employees from UnitedHealth Group have given over 1,300 hours of volunteer service to Senior Community Services. Volunteers helped seniors in need with window washing, leaf raking, weed pulling, gardening and other outdoor chores.

In the fall of 2011, UnitedHealth Group employees in Minnetonka secured more than $2,500 in gift cards from local merchants and assembled holiday gift baskets which were delivered to more than 100 isolated elderly throughout the area. Accepting the award on behalf of UnitedHealth Group were Alyssa Malinski-Erickson and Brian Elkjer.

“Our success over the years is due, in no small way, to the critical partnerships and networks of support we have with civic groups, businesses, municipalities, faith communities and the more than 5,200 volunteers that help carry out our mission each year," said Ben Withhart, Executive Director and CEO of SCS. "Our partners recognize that we all benefit when our elders in need are supported to age in place with dignity.”

Senior Community Services, a local nonprofit organization in its 62nd year, is a champion of well-being and independent living for the elderly.  The organization supports positive aging and independence for older adults directly and indirectly by supporting effective caregivers. 

SCS provides services throughout suburban Hennepin County and parts of adjacent Wright and Carver counties. For more information about SCS, its programs and volunteer opportunities, visit them at www.seniorcommunity.org or call 952-541-1019.