Citing her as someone who "goes above and beyond to engage elected officials on public policy issues", LeadingAge's California Public Policy Committee has named LifeSTEPS Executive Director, Beth Southorn, as one of two Grassroots Advocates of the Year for 2015. The award was presented to her at LeadingAge's 2016 Policy and Leadership Summit held in Sacramento on February 10.
LeadingAge, whose mission is to expand the possibilities for aging, is a leading public policy advocacy group with representation in 39 states, and also has a global presence through its membership with the International Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (IAHSA). Of highest importance to LeadingAge is the daily advocacy they provide that helps their membership serve a generation of seniors in need of service and support.
"I am proud to have LeadingAge honor the work we do at LifeSTEPS," says Southorn. "LeadingAge has been the number one policy team to transform real leadership in our state for our seniors. Why it matters to me is that LeadingAge has just allowed every senior resident we serve, who has felt voiceless as they age, the opportunity to have a place at the table.
"I find that residents are the best voice - I simply listen to them. But, as I listen, I become frustrated when I realize that there are simple things we can do to help them maintain dignity during the aging process while also saving California tax dollars."
In addition to honoring Beth, LeadingAge also named RHP's Sandy Haskins as a fellow Grassroots Advocate of the Year, and honored District 62 California State Assembly member, Autumn Burke, as the California Legislator of the Year; and California State Senator Carol Liu (District 25) as California Senator of the Year.
