The North Carolina Association on Aging (NCAOA) presented its premier award to North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry (NCBAM) at its annual training conference in Pinehurst on March 8. The NCAOA’s Innovative Program Award is part of its annual “Excellence in the Field of Aging/Reaching for the Stars” program. The Innovative Program award honors an agency for innovative and creative programs that enrich the lives of older adults.
NCBAM was nominated by Dennis Streets, director of Chatham County Council on Aging and previous director for the Aging Services Division of NC’s Department of Health and Human Services. In his nomination, Streets noted, “NCBAM excels in collaboration with our statewide aging and adult services network. They have created a body of work and resources to address uncharted territory while also serving as a genuine partner. From my personal experience, Dr. Gregory and his staff have truly been a blessing – always respectful and always responsive – never setting hard boundaries in their visioning or work.”
LeeAnne Tucker, director of aging and volunteer services for the Land of Sky Regional Council also nominated NCBAM for the prestigious award. In her nomination, Tucker noted NCBAM’s prevention programs, Rampin’ Up!, and NCBAM’s Call Center—noting that the Call Center takes referrals from her agency and connects people in need with North Carolina Baptists who can help.
At the annual awards luncheon, Keith Henry, chief operating officer for Baptist Children’s Home (BCH) accepted the award with Dr. Sandy Gregory, director of NCBAM. In accepting the award, Henry noted that the 125-year old agency has grown to serve not only children, but families, developmentally disabled adults and most recently aging adults.
Dr. Michael C. Blackwell, BCH president/ CEO and NCBAM founder was pleased with the recognition given to NCBAM. “The Innovative Program Award is particularly fitting for NCBAM. Five years ago, there was absolutely no model for the ministry. There still is nothing like it in the nation. Every program, every outreach, every service has been innovative. The NCBAM team is constantly finding solutions and developing strategic programs to work with NC Baptists and other partners to meet the multifarious needs of aging adults.”
Learn more about North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry by visiting www.ncbam.org