For Immediate Release

AHCA Announces Hero of the Year Award

Pittsburg, KS resident honored as Hero of the Year by Association
Washington D.C. -- John Lair of Pittsburg, KS, has been honored with the Hero of the
Year Award by The American Health Care Association this week. Lair earned this honor
because of his dedicated work at New Hope Services-- building their Special Olympics,
healthy lifestyle and fitness programs from the ground up.
John has added a new dimension of enrichment to the lives of those we serve, said Fred
Benjamin, VP and COO of Medicalodges Inc. He has created a milieu that reflects the
desires of those in our programs.
Lair has met the criteria of this award, which aims to recognize an individual who works
or volunteers in an ICF/IID facility or HCBS Waiver Homes and has shown commitment
and dedication to serving people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
To learn more about the award please visit the AHCA website.

For Immediate Release

AHCA Announces Not For Profit Program of the Year
Chaparral House receives national honor for dedicated work
Washington D.CChaparral House of Berkeley, CA received the Not for Profit Program
of the Year Award from The American Health Care Association this week. The award
highlights a specific program that adds value to the care of individuals within a
community. The Chaparral House does just that by improving their residents quality of
life through a unique activities program that boasts weekly drum circles, yoga sessions
and drama therapy.
Chaparral House celebrates each resident, empowers their choices and respects their
right to age with dignity and grace, said Mayor Tom Bates.
To learn more about the award please visit the AHCA website.

For Immediate Release

AHCA Announces Adult Volunteer of the Year
Oelwein Resident Named Adult Volunteer of the Year for Community Work
Washington D.C. -- Randy McQueen of Oelwein, IA received the national honor of Adult
Volunteer of the Year from the American Health Care Association this week. McQueen
was recognized as a result of his work at Mercy Living Plus at Mercy Hospital of the
Francis Sisters where he volunteers reading, eating and talking with residents.
The compassion, understanding and empathy Randy shares complement the healing and
caregiving of the staff, said Claire Seely, VP of Public Relations at IHCA. He warms
and soothes the spirit of residents.
The AHCA award seeks to highlight an individual that has made a positive contribution
to residents and staff of a care center. Through his upbeat personality and dedication to
Mercy Living Plus, McQueen is an exemplary recipient of the award.
To learn more about the award visit the AHCA website

For Immediate Release

AHCA Announces Group Volunteer of the Year
Jackson, NJ Group Receives National Honor
Washington D.C.Jackson, NJ Adopt a Senior Group received the Group Volunteer of
the Year Award from the American Health Care Association this week. The group, whose
mission statement is Seniors Should Never Be Forgotten, celebrate residents birthdays
at various skilled nursing facilities.
Adopt a senior helps each resident recognize their individual value by personalizing
their birthday celebration, said JoAnne Ryan, VP of Quality Management at Bartley
Healthcare, the residents absolutely love what these volunteers do for them.
To learn more about the award, visit the AHCA website

For Immediate Release

AHCA Announces Young Adult Volunteer of the Year
Canton Youth Receives National Honor for Volunteer Work
Washington D.C.Canton, SD resident, Zach Severson was named Young Adult
Volunteer of the Year by the American Health Care Association for his work at the Good

Samaritan Society in Canton. Severson visits with the residents every week and engages
them in conversation and activities such as bird feeding.
Zachs patience and cheerful demeanor helps residents reach their full potential, said
Jeanne Limoges, Office Manager at Good Samaritan Society. Zachs youthful kindness
is a unique contribution.
The AHCA award seeks to highlight a young person that has made a positive contribution
to residents and staff of a care center. Along with many other things, Severson has
achieved this by giving of his time to assist residents with activities and inspiring other
youth to volunteer at the center.
To learn more about the award, visit the AHCA website.