81-Year-Old Outreach Therapist with NSO Receives the Ability is Ageless Award

June 22, 2011 - PRLog -- Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) has announced that Mr. Pat Shanahan, an outreach therapist in their Older Adult Services (OAS) program recently received a top award at Operation ABLE’s 2011 Ability is Ageless awards ceremony.  At 81, he provides mental health services to seniors in their own homes.

Recipients of Operation ABLE’s Ability is Ageless award exemplify a positive work ethic, contribute in a special way to the goals of their organization, make a special contribution to the well being of others through work and in the community, and act as a positive role model for other employees.  Operation ABLE is the region’s leading provider of job training and employment transition assistance for mid-career and older workers.

“Pat Shanahan personifies the “person first” philosophy,” said Dr. John Sczomak, Shanahan’s supervisor who nominated him for the award.  “Even with high case loads and extreme paperwork, he always carries a positive attitude and a willingness to do whatever needs to be done to provide services to his consumers and to advocate for Neighborhood Service Organization.  He can always be counted on to act in the best interest of others.

“He is the first to involve himself, acting as a source of wisdom and encouragement.  Following the earthquake in Haiti, he spent 19 of his vacation days volunteering at a Haitian orphanage.  He truly is making a difference in the world.”

Older Adult Services provides mental health outreach, residential and advocacy services and helps older individuals reach their maximum potential and remain active community participants.  The program is for Wayne and Oakland County residents age 60 and over and for adult nursing home residents ages 18 and older.

“I am grateful to God, the NSO, and the inspiring seniors I call on, and I am happy to keep on working with them,” said Shanahan who is a resident of Windsor, Ontario, Canada.  He received his M.S.W. from Fordham University.

Since 1955, NSO has been reaching out to people across metropolitan Detroit by strengthening and empowering neighborhoods, supporting families and helping people in need. Over the years, the scope and variety of services offered have grown into a network of sophisticated, vertically integrated programs that have received local, statewide and national recognition. To learn more about NSO, call (313) 961-4890 or visit our website: www.nso-mi.org.