WESTFIELD-“Everyone has a right to be safe” was a central theme during a special award presentation Thursday at lunchtime at the Westfield Senior Center as two Council on Aging staff members were feted for their years of dedication to helping others live quality lives.
Fran Aguda and Karen Noblit, front center, received awards from Highland Valley Elder Services Thursday. They are joined by members of the Protective Services division of Highland Valley, as well as State Rep. John Velis and Mayor Brian Sullivan.
Karen Noblit, senior benefits coordinator, and Fran Aguda, companion program coordinator, were honored by Highland Valley Elder Services with its annual award recognition conducted on Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Julie Pearce, Protective Services Program Director at Highland Valley Elder Services, presented the awards as more than 100 area residents who were awaiting their dessert looked on.
Pearce said she nominated Aguda since she has had the “honor” of working cooperatively with her through the companion program.
“Fran works tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of community members,” said Pearce. “Fran is diligent in her efforts to match clients with companions that will complement the needs of the elder. Fran’s continued efforts provide seniors with a companion they can connect with.”
Fran Aguda, companion program coordinator for the Westfield Council on Aging (at podium), accepts an award from Julie Pearce, program director for Highland Valley Elder Services’ Protective Services.
Pearce added that connections made provide regular contact for community members, increase socialization, decrease isolation and ensure that seniors get emergency assistance when needed.
“Fran goes above and beyond to connect elders with other resources that may be available to them in order to decrease their risks,” said Pearce.
Sierra Bradley, also from Protective Services, had nominated Noblit for her work as a SHINE counselor at the Council on Aging.
“Karen was nominated for outstanding service when it comes to serving elders in her community,” wrote Bradley. “Karen has shown that she not only assists elders with obtaining necessary benefits, but also considers their care and safety.”
Karen Noblit, senior benefits coordinator and SHINE counselor for the Westfield Council on Aging, at the microphone, accepts an award from Julie Pearce, program director for Highland Valley Elder Services’ Protective Services.
Bradley added that Noblit demonstrates “great concern” for elders in the community and has been helpful in providing necessary information in assessing the risk of these elders.
“Karen has a wealth of resource information, which she relays to Protective Service workers and community members alike, which is implemented to greatly reduce risk for elders in their homes,” said Bradley. “She has been friendly and collaborative, creating positive relationships, which lead to helping reduce risk for elders more effectively.”
In addition to this recognition, Mayor Brian Sullivan presented proclamations to both women and recognized the supportive services of Highland Valley Elder Services, and State Rep. John Velis acknowledged that elder abuse exists across the state.
“We all have to help each other,” said Sullivan, adding, “Thank God we have a place like the senior center with Tina Gorman and her staff. Their passion is to help and that is huge. They go the extra mile every day.”
Velis echoed those sentiments.
“Unfortunately elder abuse is rampant and pervasive in Western Massachusetts,” said Velis. “It truly shocks the conscience that someone would want to abuse an elderly person. Fortunately there are resources like Highland Valley Elder Services to help and Karen and Fran who work closely with others here on a daily basis.”
Velis also presented proclamations to Noblit and Aguda.
Pearce spoke briefly about watching for signs of elder abuse – which ranges from physical and emotional abuse to financial exploitation or self-neglect.
“We work with individuals when there are allegations of abuse, and we connect individuals with resources,” said Pearce, adding that Westfield has a “huge population over 60” which is the demographic that Protective Services investigates.
After the presentations, both Noblit and Aguda were greeted with a big hug from Tina Gorman who serves as director of the Westfield Council on Aging.
“I’m overwhelmed with the award,” said Noblit, adding, “We have to love each other and if we do, bad things won’t happen.”
Aguda concurred.
“This is a speechless moment for me,” said Aguda. “We want to make a difference each day for others. I’m honored and humbled by this award.”
Gorman thanked everyone for attending the special celebration – and thanked Noblit and Aguda for their contributions to the city’s residents.
“We do a lot of fun activities here, including art and fitness classes, but there is also a lot of serious work that is done behind the scenes when issues of abuse surfaces,” said Gorman. “You are our eyes and ears. If you notice a friend, family member or neighbor who might need help, let us know since elder abuse is a problem in Westfield.”
As the afternoon presentation came to a close just before 1 p.m., Gorman beamed as her two staff members were feted from the local to state level.
“The recognition is so deserved for both Karen and Fran,” said Gorman.
