Each year, Senior Services presents the Everett N. Luce Award to an individual and an organization for leadership and contribution to improving the quality of life for older adults in Midland County.
Trudy Laufer received the Individual Community Champion Award and the Midland County Department of Public Health received the Organization Community Champion Award.
Senior Services received Laufer’s nomination from community member Tami Perry, who recognizes Laufer for her passion for helping seniors in our community. For over 17 years, Laufer has demonstrated her commitment to improving the lives of seniors in her role as Executive Director of Cleveland Manor Apartments to help seniors find a home in Midland.
During the historic 2020 dam break and flood event, Laufer packed up in the middle of the night and drove out of the way to make sure she was at Cleveland Manor and her safety was in place in the event that residents were evacuated. These are just a few of the reasons Laufer was selected for this award. Your passion and dedication are undeniable.
Tina Podboy Laughner, Senior Services Volunteer and Outreach Manager, nominated the Midland County Department of Public Health for her leadership role in organizing vaccine clinics for older adults in our community. Working with Senior Services, Delta College, and Midland Center for the Arts, they vaccinated thousands. Midland County can proudly say that over 90% of adults 65 and older are vaccinated against COVID-19, and much of that success can be attributed to their dedication and hard work.
“Your incredible staff have provided our community with the latest scientific research, facts and valuable information as quickly as it became available in the ever-changing circumstances of this pandemic,” said a press release. “Most importantly, they gave hope to this community during a very busy time.”
Each award winner has demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication to improving community conditions or providing services to senior Midland County residents, and Senior Services are proud to recognize their achievements.