Debbie Wadsworth Named 2015 Case Manager of the Year

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Aug. 12, 2015 - PRLog -- COA is pleased to announce that Debbie Wadsworth was recognized by her peers as the 2015 Case Manager of the Year last Friday by the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs in conjunction with The Foundation for Indigent Guardianship. Debbie is a professional guardian and has been COA’s Guardianship Ward Manager Supervisor for the past nine years.

“It’s a special significance when someone is acknowledged and awarded by their peers,” said CEO of COA Sarah F. Gurtis, “Debbie works tirelessly and is passionate about her case management work - she truly deserves this recognition,” she added.

The award was presented at the Florida State Guardianship Association’s Conference in Orlando, Florida and represents the best of guardians from across the state who are dedicated to protecting the dignity and rights of incapacitated seniors. Debbie’s award was based on the following criteria:

•          Demonstrates leadership qualities of an exceptional nature;
•          Effectively integrates experience with education in an outstanding effort to help our wards;

•          Shows a willingness to take risks for improved social services;
•          Enlists public support for improved social services; or
•          Contributes to the public’s knowledge of guardianship.

As the Public Guardianship program for the 7th Circuit of Florida, COA provides guardianship services to persons who do not have adequate income or assets to afford a private guardian and who do not have a family member or friend willing and able to serve. For more information on COA’s Public Guardianship Program, please contact MaryLou McKeon, President of the Florida State Guardianship Office and Senior Vice President of COA’s Guardianship & Client Services at 386.253.4700 extension 224.

For nearly 50 years, COA (Council on Aging) has been the premiere provider of services to seniors in Volusia County. Thousands of clients each year receive services such as personal care, meal preparation, housekeeping, companionship and Meals on Wheels. COA also manages Senior Centers, congregate dining sites and provides respite care programs and support groups throughout the county.

COA relies on Federal and State grant dollars to provide essential services in our community, but also needs community support. You can help by making a tax deductible donation to COA, volunteering or hiring us. COA offers handyman, housekeeping and companionship services to community members of any age and reinvests the profits from those services back into our seniors. COA can be reached at (386) 253-4700 x 225 (tel:%28386%29%20253-4700%20x%20225) or online athttp://www.coavolusia.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/COAVOLFL.

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Pictured: Debbie Wadsworth (center), R. Tom Jones, Esq. Executive Director, Statewide Public Guardianship Office, and Melinda Coulter President of the Foundation for Indigent Guardianship.