2012 Claude Pepper Award Recipients
Retiree category
For more than a decade, James Forrer of Troy, Mich. has dedicated himself to helping people, focusing on older adults. He's an active volunteer for Meals on Wheels, Area Agency on Aging 1-B, Salvation Army, Shoplifters Anonymous, and Troy Police Volunteer Corp. Recently, Jim started his own nonprofit organization called Helping Angels, which is a grassroots organization that helps out where and when needed. All of the proceeds go to helping individuals. Jim does not draw a salary from the organization. Often, Jim uses his own resources to support his community service work. Whether it's throwing a picnic for individuals living in senior housing, working to produce and deliver meals to homebound individuals, or standing in court next to a 66-year-old woman who's trying to get help in the legal system, Jim dedicates his time, compassion and resources to helping others.
Working category
Larry Emig of Reed City, Mich., has served on the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan's board of rirectors since 2006. He helps oversee the agency and its services to more than 38,000 seniors in nine counties. This includes home-delivered meals, in-home care, caregiver respite, healthy aging classes and more. Emig also has been an advisory board member of the Osceola Commission on Aging (COA) for more than 26 years. In this role, he has given direction and oversight to the agency as it provides in-home care, transportation and nutrition services to the elderly in Osceola County. In 2011, the Osceola COA provided services and programs to more than 400 older adults, so they could stay independent and remain in their own homes. Larry’s hope is that seniors won't have to choose between getting the care they need and putting food on the table. His service on additional regional and state committees, boards and groups has benefited many of the 25,000 residents of Osceola County.
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