Baltimore City Health Department Honors Senior Aides

What began as small Senior AIDES meeting turned into a large celebration that included political leaders, numerous senior attendees, local business representatives, and a surprise visit from Senior Service America Executive Director Tony Sarmiento.

Over a hundred people turned out to recognize the Senior Aides and celebrate older workers in the Baltimore area during the Baltimore City Health Department's Senior AIDES Program salute to seniors on May 13, hosted by Senior AIDES Project Director Flora Caldwell-Daughtry.

"The seniors here today are amazingly talented, articulate, and enthusiastic people," said attendee Michi McNeace, Senior Service America Senior AIDES Program Officer.

Maryland State Senator Nathaniel McFadden appeared in person to deliver a Senate Resolution in honor of Older Americans Month. Other guests included representatives from the offices of U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, Congressman Elijah Cummings, and City Council President Sheila Dixon.

The event honored current Senior Aides and recognized four former Senior Aides hired into permanent positions, as well as directors from their respective hiring facilities. Baltimore City Health Department Director Janice Torres presented the former and current Senior Aides with certificates of recognition.

Honorees included Vernon English, employed at Home Depot; Joan Johnson, hired with the Medical Assistance Personal Care Program, Annie Williams, employee at the Baltimore Ronald McDonald House; and Betty Butler, who now works with Adult Evaluation & Review Services.

Current Senior Aide Yerley Fuller also spoke about her experiences so far with the program. "I've overcome my fear of computers," said Fuller. "The Senior AIDES Program has helped me restore and renew my confidence in myself."

In addition to planning, hosting and inviting attendees to the event, Caldwell-Daughtry also secured great entertainment on a shoestring budget with a performance by the choir from "My Sister's Place" (a shelter for homeless women), who performed for a small donation.