AARP NC recognizes volunteers and partners

To express heartfelt gratitude to the volunteer leaders and organizations who are working to support AARP’s vision and mission, AARP North Carolina’s staff and Executive Council held a special awards ceremony in July.

AARP President Bob Palombo, who helped present the awards, praised the recipients as “outstanding volunteers and organizations who are helping improve North Carolina communities and the lives of the 50+ population.”

Helen Mack, who generously volunteers her time and expertise to serve AARP and the aging community at both the state and national level, received AARP’s highest volunteer recognition award, the 2013 Andrus Award. When accepting the prestigious award, Mack said, “To be mentioned in the same sentence with Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus is amazing and to receive an award in her name is more than an honor.”

Mack, a retired teacher, has been instrumental in educating the public about many aspects of retirement security, and through AARP’s Life Reimagined, has been helping people plan for their “what’s next” in life, often times realizing dreams that have been put on hold by the needs of work, family and caregiving.

AARP NC’s Organization Advocacy Award was given to the National MS Society, Greater Carolinas for their work to support home and community based services, advocacy on long term care and education on consumer protection issues affecting older adults.

MCDickerson

MCDickerson

Two faith-based organizations were recognized for their work to improve the lives of their congregants and communities. Mount Carmel Baptist Church of Charlotte received the Multicultural Financial Freedom Award for their leadership in developing a creative model to engage members on saving and planning for retirement.

Watts Chapel Baptist Church of Raleigh received the Multicultural Caregiving Award for its leadership in providing support for caregivers and raising awareness about valuable resources available to caregivers.

 

Cover photo: AARP state president Bob Palombo with Andrus Award member Helen Mack (photo by Gary Leach)