History of the Southeastern Association of Area Agencies On Aging, Inc.

The Southeastern Association of AAAs (SE4A) was organized in 1973 by several Area Agencies in the Southeast Region, which included representatives from eight states and was a result of their concern over national and regional issues facing Area Agencies on Aging attempting to establish viable programs for the elderly.  The major thrust of the initiatives in establishing the Association centered around problem solving, training, and dissemination of information pertinent to assisting Area Agencies on Aging in implementing, improving, and/or expanding com­prehensive and coordinated services for older people throughout the Southeast.  One of the major goals established for the Association was to coordinate an Annual Training Conference region-wide.  This thrust has been continued throughout the existence of the Association.  It provides the mechanisms necessary to promote skill development, professional knowledge, best practice sharing, and information exchange.

The Association established a central contact office in 1980 under the leadership of the 1980 President, George Dick, when the Association decided to incorporate.  The contact office was originally established within the First Tennessee Area Agency on Aging, 207 North Boone Street, Suite 800, Johnson City, Tennessee 37604.  The Association became chartered and incorporated under the laws of the State of Tennessee in 1981 under the leadership of Sandra Ray, President, 1981.  In an effort to continue formalizing the purpose of the Association, the Association received tax exempt status as a 501 (c) (3) organization in 1982 under the leadership of Mr. Tom Reece, President, 1982.  Today, the Association continues its incorporation status in the State of Tennessee with the corporation’s Registered Agent being Nancy C. Peace, Director of the Upper Cumberland Area Agency on Aging in Cookeville, Tennessee.

PAST CONFERENCES AND PRESIDENTS OF THE ASSOCIATION

The first annual meeting of the Association was held in 1974 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in conjunction with the first Annual Training Conference.  The Annual Conference with Association's meetings have been rotated throughout each of the eight Southeastern states and has established a rotation routine as a result of com­pleting the eight-state cycle in 1981.  The Association works on behalf of Area Agencies on Aging and older persons in eight Southeastern states, including the states of Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama, with the listing order reflecting the Annual Conference rotation cycle.

A listing of the Association’s past Presidents along with the locations of the Annual Membership Meetings by the year held is included in Appendix A, Presidents and Annual Meetings of the Association.  For historical purposes, it should be noted that the term “President” replaced the office of “Chairman” by the Association with its 1993 by-law amendments.

AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

During its development and history, the Association has established four professional awards to recognize outstanding contributions by individuals and organizations in the field of aging:

• The JANE KENNEDY EXCELLENCE IN AGING AWARD is presented annually to one or more individuals or organizations either inside or outside of the Area Agency on Aging network that promotes the safety, welfare, and well-being of older persons within the Southeast region.  The Association’s Board renamed this Award, previously known as the EXCELLENCE IN AGING AWARD, in 1998 to recognize the contributions and service of one of its founding members, Jane Kennedy.  It was first awarded in 1977.

• The POSITIVE IMAGES IN AGING AWARD recognizes the private and/or public sector groups, agencies, or businesses for their efforts to present a positive image of older adults.  Recognized at the Annual Conference, this award may be given at any time of the year.  Each nomination is measured against the award criteria making this award unique in that it is non-competitive with other nominations.  It was first awarded in 1987.

• The PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP AWARD is presented annually to recognize out­standing partnerships within individual states of the Southeast between the public and private sectors in support of the aging population.  The maximum number of awards is one per State per year.  It was first awarded in 1991.

• The OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD recognizes religious institutions, service agencies civic clubs, and governmental departments, which have made positive contributions to the lives of older people.  It was first awarded in 2000.

• Depending upon the availability of funds, the Association has also adopted the practice of awarding one or more Scholarships on an annual basis to deserving students who are planning a career in gerontology.  Any member AAA may submit or sponsor a student’s nomination.

Appendix contains a detailed listing of the Association’s past Award Recipients.

SE4A Annual Meeting Locations & Listing of Past Presidents

SE4A Listing of Jane Kennedy Excellence in Aging Award

SE4A Listing of Positive Images of Aging Award

SE4A Listing of Public/Private Partnerships Award

2007     AL    Westar Aerospace and Defense Group/TARCOG Area Agency on Aging
KY   Huish Detergents Inc/Barren River Area Agency on Aging
NC   Lowe’s Home Improvement Store #0561/Eastern Carolina Council AAA