Honoring People Who Serve Others Through Adult Day Services

One of the benefits of membership in the National Adult Day Services Association is participating in an annual awards program recognizing excellence in the support and delivery of adult day services. Awards recognize program staff, organizations, programs, media representatives, legislators and advocates who support adult day services.  Guidelines are being updated for the 2009 competition and will be posted on the NADSA website soon.  2009 winners will be honored in Seattle, WA, at the 2009 National Adult Day Services Association Annual Conference in partnership with Washington Adult Day Services Association.  Previous winners are recognized on the NADSA website. 

A Message from Donna Kay, 2008 Administrator/Director Award Recipient

Donna Kay, Program Manager, Adult Day Care Program, Polk County, Bartow, Florida

My name is Donna Kay, and I was the recipient of the Administrator/Director award for 2008. First let me tell you that I could not believe I was selected and when it sunk in that I indeed did win this award, I was humbled. To know that my peers, co-workers, caregivers and all the people that I have contact with felt that I deserved this honor was overwhelming.

I know every day in my professional life that I make a difference in someone's life that we care for. Polk County Adult Day Care Program has been an integral part of the community for 25 years, and to know that I was placed in charge to administer this program 20 years ago was an honor. My staff and I have worked hard and dedicated ourselves to improving the quality of life for vulnerable adults in Polk County. I hope I have the honor of continuing to dedicate my life to this service.

A Message from Diana Brown, 2008 Ruth Von Behren Award Recipient

Award winner Diana Brown with Board Chairman Beth Meyer-Arnold

I was truly honored to be nominated for an award named after an individual whom I knew and respected, Ruth Von Behren. Moreover, to be selected to be the recipient of this award was a wonderful affirmation of the work we all do in support of our clients. 

After receiving this award, I received quite a bit of press coverage, including a full-page feature story in our local paper, a 45 minute interview on a statewide public radio program, and many mentions in business newspapers and magazines. From this, I was also able to reconnect with old friends and supporters. However, the ultimate benefit was being able to highlight our program, the individuals that we serve and the families we assist—as well as being able to build awareness for the adult day services overall.

It was really amazing how many people contacted me about the award. People I haven't heard from for years called me, wrote to me or sent me cards, and talked about how important our work is to our community. This flurry of recognition and awareness has lasted almost six months now. Thank you, NADSA, for this great honor and acknowledgement of the great work that we all do.  

For more information about serving on the Awards Committee or about awards sponsored by the National Adult Day Services Association, contact Awards Chair Kathy O'Brien at info@nadsa.org.