Senior Services Annual Meeting Breakfast, held on Thurs, Feb 20th.

Each year, Senior Services presents the Everett N. Luce Award to an individual and an organization for their leadership and contributions toward improving the quality of life for older adults in Midland County. This year’s award recipients were announced during Senior Services’ Annual Meeting Breakfast on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Eileen Grew received the Individual Community Champion Award and the Midland County Educational Service Agency (ESA) received the Organization Community Champion Award.

Dr. Everett Luce spearheaded the development of Midland County’s organized efforts to provide for the needs of older citizens, especially those in failing health or in impoverished circumstances. He led the team of local leaders who attended the first White House Conference on Aging in 1960. Returning with the determination to make a real difference in the quality of life for seniors, Dr. Luce and his colleagues established the Midland County Committee on Aging. Under his leadership, within a few years, the committee was incorporated as the Midland County Council on Aging (known today as Senior Services), launching the organization that now serves 2,500+ county seniors a year.

Charlie Schwedler, Executive Director, pictured with Individual Winner, Eileen Grew.

Senior Services has chosen Eileen Grew for the Individual Community Champion Award. Eileen was honored for her dedication to combating older adult isolation and improving health outcomes. After learning about the impact of loneliness on seniors’ physical and mental well-being, Eileen spearheaded the “A Bridge to Community (ABC)” program. By rallying a team and securing resources, she provided complimentary Midland Daily News subscriptions to around 500 older adults, connecting them to vital community information and reducing isolation. Her efforts have made a lasting impact on the lives of many in our community.

Charlie Schwedler, Executive Director pictured with organization-winning representatives from Midland County Educational Service Agency.

The Midland County Educational Service Agency (ESA) has been chosen to receive the Organization Community Champion Award for its continued partnership with Senior Services. The Midland County Educational Service Agency (ESA) has demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving the lives of older adults in Midland County. Through a strong student volunteer partnership with Senior Services, which began in 2021, ESA has created an environment of mutual learning and connection that benefits both younger and older generations.

Each award recipient has demonstrated outstanding leadership and advocacy toward improving community conditions or services provided to older Midland County residents and we are proud to recognize their achievements.