Cassia in the News

Leading Age Names Lora Engstrom and Carolyn Johnson District Volunteers of the Year


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:     February 17, 2017
CONTACT: Jodi Boyne jboyne@leadingagemn.org

LORA ENGSTROM AND CAROLYN JOHNSON NAMED
DISTRICT VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

Saint Paul – (February 13, 2017) – Lora Engstrom and Carolyn Johnson, volunteers with Augustana Apartments in Minneapolis, were recently honored by LeadingAge Minnesota with the District G Volunteer of the Year Award.

The District Volunteer of the Year Award honors volunteers in older adult services whose commitment and dedication enhance the quality of live for seniors and their communities. Lora and Carolyn were two of four volunteers selected for the regional award out of a field of thousands of volunteers throughout the state.

Affectionately known as the “Craft Room Ladies,” Lora and Carolyn have taken over organizing and sprucing up the craft room at Augustana Apartments to make it a bustling place of creativity and enjoyment for residents. Once the craft room was ready, they went to work making items for a display case; everything from crocheted baby hats to pottery to paintings which are put on display. Then, they set up regular craft room hours where they are available to help other residents find what they need, learn a new project, or simply socialize. Their efforts, while providing a place for creativity, have also revitalized the spirit of livelihood and maintaining an active lifestyle for the hundreds of residents at Augustana.

Lora and Carolyn accepted the award at the LeadingAge Minnesota Institute, the state’s largest and most comprehensive aging services conference. More than 4,000 professionals in all aspects of older adult services attend the annual three-day event to learn about new and innovative programs, share best practices and network with their peers.

About LeadingAge Minnesota

LeadingAge Minnesota is driven to transform and enhance the experience of aging. Together with more than 50,000 caregivers, our members provide quality services and supports to nearly 70,000 older adults every day in independent senior housing, assisted living communities, adult day services, in-home care and skilled nursing facilities.