Awards and Recognition
MHHA honors outstanding members of the older adult services field. From pioneers who created new options in housing and care for older adults to those whose commitment to caregiving is shown though lengthy, honorable service, MHHA recognizes members through an extensive awards program.
Spring Awards
Presented at the annual MHHA Institute for Older Adult Services. A series of highly coveted, statewide awards honor those who go above and beyond their ordinary duties to enhance the quality of life for seniors and for their communities.
- Caregiver of the Year
- The MHHA Living Our Mission Award
MHHA honors mission-driven members who stay true to the goals of their founders while paving a new future for older adult services.
- Leadership Award
- Volunteer of the Year
- Administrator of the Year - Kal Michels Award: This award is named after the late Kal Michels, who died in 1997 while serving as Administrator of St. Francis Home in Breckenridge and Chair-elect of MHHA. The strengths Kal Michels brought to his work were deep commitment to his community and his facility and the people who lived and worked at St. Francis Home. His commitment was displayed though the many leadership positions he filled in his community, unfailing advocacy for quality care and services for people. In the spirit of Kal Michels, this is a statewide award designed to honor those who go "above and beyond" to enhance the work environment in their long-term care facility and the quality of life for their residents and the communities they serve.
- Senior Housing Leadership - Ray Johnson Award: This award is named after the late Ray Johnson, one of Minnesota's and the nation's true senior housing pioneers. Ray brought to his work a fine sense of seniors as people of dignity and distinction who are capable of governing themselves and their communities effectively. He was an untiring advocate for older adults' self-determination. In the spirit of Ray Johnson, it is designed to recognize individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to senior housing and older residents/tenants in Minnesota. The purpose of this statewide award is to honor persons whose actions exemplify MHHA's values in senior housing and to acknowledge persons that have promoted excellence, quality, and high standards in the senior housing industry.
- Trustee (Volunteer Board Member) of the Year
- Investing in our Communities Award: MHHA honors member organizations that go beyond their health service or housing role to support and/or improve their communities; that extend services beyond the traditional scope of resident/tenant care, and that demonstrate social responsibility and the organization's role as a responsible corporate citizen. One award is given annually.
- Innovation of the Year. This award honors MHHA's aging service providers that have developed unique new means and models in the aging services sector; demonstrated creativity in programs and/or service provision; promoted new paradigms or pilot studies; and/or shown a willingness to take risks to provide a new or enhanced service to their customers.
Stars Among Us
Nearly 7,000 people have dedicated 15 or more years to serving and caring for older adults in MHHA member facilities. Each name on this honor list represents thousands of hours of caring, compassionate professionalism. It's a job that can be stressful and physically tough at times, but also joyful, poignant and infinitely rewarding. It's a job that has value and meaning, because these caregivers are helping and learning from a treasured group of citizens - our elders.
Excellence in Practice - Call for Entries. This program honors projects and programs that represent the best in older adult services.
Other Awards (conferred at various times)
- Lifetime Achievement Awards - Given to retiring members who over a period of many years have been outstanding leaders in the field of older adult services. Their achievements have inspired others as well as contributed to the formation and goals, governance and initiatives of MHHA.
Excellence in Journalism Award - Given to members of the media who have represented older adult services in the media in a fair an objective manner.
Get the Spirit Award for exemplary grassroots public affairs efforts during the current year (Conferred at MHHA Annual Meeting)
Honorary Membership - For retired members who have been active in voluntary leadership within the organization throughout their career.
Pioneer in Housing Award - This award is presented to those who helped create Minnesota's senior housing options. Presented on an occasional basis.
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