Putnam County senior advocate wins statewide award

Jodi Warnecke, executive director of the Putnam County Council on Aging, has received the Ohio Association of Senior Centers' most coveted honor, the Muriel Bertsch Award. The statewide award recognizes individuals within the aging network who show outstanding leadership, advocacy and service to older adults and exemplify the spirit and passion of its founder, Muriel Bertsch. Warnecke said serving seniors in Putnam County is "always very rewarding," noting "they're so thankful" for the council on aging's services. She noted the purpose of her organization is to help seniors remain independent. And, she said, talking with older community members allows her to hear their stories and learn more about who they are. She said Bertsch, for whom the award is named, founded the Ohio Association of Senior Centers as well as a national organization. Bertsch helped bring different communities' senior centers together, she said. In a statement, Warnecke said, "I am honored and humbled to accept this award and join the other men and women who came before me. Although this is a personal award, it was not accomplished alone. It is a direct result of teamwork and collaborative efforts. It takes all of us working together to fulfill our mission of serving older adults within our communities." She was supposed to receive the award last year, but the 2020 conference was canceled. Warnecke stressed there are many other people who are deserving, leaving her feeling "humbled" that she was selected. "I always feel like I'm very blessed" to work with such a dedicated staff in Putnam County, she said. She has served as the executive director at the Putnam County Council on Aging for 17 years. During her tenure, she increased community outreach efforts, enhanced agency visibility, built strong working relationships and collaborative partnerships, and expanded agency services and advanced the growth of the organization. The council is a private, nonprofit organization that provides services to older adults to help them remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible. Services include transportation, chore assistance, outreach, medical equipment loan closet, A Matter of Balance Fall Prevention Program, telephone reassurance, and information and referral services. Warnecke said one challenge is that, although the council tries to publicize its services, community members may not be aware of all the ways the organization can help. Warnecke is also an active member on the OASC Board of Directors, previously serving as president, secretary and conference co-chair. The statewide association supports and enhances the ability of Ohio's senior center network to effectively serve older adults by providing advocacy, legislative updates, networking, best practices, and education and training to senior center and aging network staff across the state. Arthurs: 419-427-8494