During Older Americans Month, St. Louis City Senior Fund recognized some of the people and organizations that are contributing to making St. Louis City an aging friendly community.
The event—held on May 22 at Rung for Women—featured recognition of partner organizations supported by the Senior Fund in the past year, as well as presentation of awards honoring the contributions of individuals in the community.
Senior Fund executive director, Jamie Opsal, and board chair, Bill Siedhoff, kicked off the event with a welcome and overview of how the Senior Fund’s support of community services has expanded since the last partner recognition event held in 2019. Senior Fund has significantly increased the number of partners supported with grants and the types of grants. Senior Fund is now completing its sixth year of managing and distributing tax revenue received to support a variety of services for older adults in the City of St. Louis.
Then Opsal recognized organizations who received Senior Fund grant support in the past year. Representatives of organizations who received grants focused on economic security, housing, social isolation and loneliness, homemaker chore, and health-related services gathered near the stage to be recognized in groups. Organizations who had received senior center, vehicle matching, and collaborative grants were also highlighted. This was followed by Opsal acknowledging Senior Fund grant partners who were part of the response efforts this winter tied to the closure of Northview Village nursing home and Heritage House apartments.
After recognition of partner organizations, Siedhoff rejoined Opsal on the stage along with Jared Boyd, chief of staff in the Office of the Mayor, to present awards to four individuals.
The Community Service Award recognizes older adults who have demonstrated significant involvement in St. Louis City through community service and/or civic engagement and contribute to making our community a better place to live and grow older. The 2024 awardees were June Brown and Ollie M. Stewart. Brown was recognized for her service as a VOYCE long-term care ombudsman for Northview Village for over 20 years. Stewart was recognized for her significant civic engagement and service in the community above and beyond her role as executive director of Southside Senior Citizens Center and Southside Wellness Center.
The Professional in Aging Award recognizes people who demonstrate commitment and passion for serving and working with older adults in the City of St. Louis and go above and beyond to work with colleagues and partners to respond to individual and community needs. The 2024 awardees were Marvin Bostic and Todd Martin. Bostic was recognized for his leadership and service for over 30 years organizing programs, services, and other resources for older adults living in St. Louis Housing Authority communities. Martin was recognized for his leadership and service through his work reestablishing and expanding Mission: St. Louis’s home repair program.
Senior Fund would like thank the dedicated work of all of our partners, and the contributions of St. Louis City taxpayers, to help St. Louis City older adults have access to resources that support their needs and interests as they age in their homes and communities.
View a list of some of our funded partners HERE and current funding opportunities HERE.
Photos by: C. Smyth Photography