Olympic Area Agency on Aging gets innovation award
September 13, 2024
Laura Cepoi, executive director for Olympic Area Agency on Aging, accepts the USAging Innovations Award in Tampa for the mobile assistance van program.
PORT TOWNSEND — The Olympic Area Agency on Aging has received a 2024 Aging Innovations Award from USAging for its Mobile Assistance Van program.
The award was presented at USAging’s 49th Conference and Tradeshow in Tampa, Fla.
The mobile assistance van delivers food, supplies and resource connection to communities throughout Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor and Pacific counties.
“The MAV is a critical part of our agency’s mission to deliver services to those with the most economic and social need,” said Laura Cepoi, the agency’s executive director. “It serves areas classified as food deserts,defined as low-income households that are 10 or more miles from a full service grocery store. We’re very proud of the team and the impact it’s having in our remote coastal areas especially.”
The program, which was one of just 16 local programs receiving an award, was recognized in the diversity, equity and inclusion category.
The mobile van serves 800 to 1,000 people per month with low-barrier services, meaning that individuals do not have to provide any identification or documentation of age, income, citizenship status or other qualifications.
Copyright (c) 2024 Peninsula Daily News, Edition 8/22/2024
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