Innovative Programs Receive Recognition

In 2022, two AgeGuide programs were recognized with awards. Not only did AgeGuide receive the Aging Innovation Award, but the White Crane Wellness Center, AgeGuide’s funded partner, won the 2022 Governor’s Engaging Aging Award.

AgeGuide’s Aging Innovations Award

During the USAging Annual Conference and Tradeshow from July 10-13th, AgeGuide’s Community Connections Collaboratives was among the top aging programs to receive honors. The 2022 USAging Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards recognizes Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) that have developed and implemented innovative approaches that are replicable by others in the Aging Network.

AgeGuide’s Community Connections Collaboratives program offers disease and illness prevention programs that teach fall prevention techniques, how to manage a chronic illness, and offer socialization opportunities and exercise. Participants are evaluated before and after the program so they can see their physical improvements over time and see the benefits of the program for their overall health. Participants are also connected to other Older Americans Act programs and services that can optimize their health and independence.

White Crane Wellness Center’s 2022 Governor’s Engaging Aging Award

AgeGuide’s funded partner, White Crane Wellness Center, is the recipient of a 2022 Governor’s Engaging Aging Award, presented annually to up to 13 community organizations that have gone above and beyond in making a positive impact in the lives of older adults in the past year.

Founded in 1985, White Crane Wellness Center is an independent, non-profit organization whose mission is to empower older adults to improve and sustain their health, while serving as a local and national model to achieve healthy aging.

Nominated for the Governor’s Engaging Aging Award by AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois, White Crane Wellness Center brings their services into the community through an everexpanding network of partnerships, serving more than 5,000 older adults throughout AgeGuide’s diverse communities in Lake and DuPage counties. White Crane operates an Adult Day Wellness Program and facilitates a portfolio of nationally recognized evidencebased health programs, health education workshops, screenings, assessments, fitness programming, and support services.

Innovative Programs Continue into 2023

AgeGuide continuously evaluates and reimagines programming to support older adults on their aging journeys. Next year, we will continue to build on the success of these award-winning programs as we work to create supportive and healthy communities where older adults can thrive.

AgeGuide and its funded partners continually evaluate and innovate programming to connect older adults and enhance their quality of life on their aging journey.