The Professional Network on Aging has recognized the need to honor those in our region who work to make life better for our older citizens. The Senior Advocacy Award in Honor of Bob Bernstein was established by PNA in 2009 to recognize individuals whose life and work demonstrate a passion for service to seniors and whose actions are a strong advocacy for the senior population.
PNA invites all interested PNA Members to submit nominations for the Senior Advocacy Award. This prestigious award was last presented at the Professional Conference on Aging on March 9, 2023.
Persons eligible to be nominated must live or work in Shelby, Fayette, McNairy or Tipton counties in Tennessee, Crittenden County in Arkansas or Desoto County in Mississippi, and have at least five years’ experience working with seniors. They do not have to be a PNA member. The nomination packet contains a form to be completed and must include two letters of recommendation.
Overview
Anyone who is a PNA Member can nominate an individual for the award by completing a packet and attaching the necessary supporting documents. The Nominee does not have to be a PNA member.
Eligibility
A person may be nominated if that individual:
- lives or works in Shelby, Fayette, McNairy or Tipton counties in Tennessee, Crittenden County in Arkansas or Desoto County in Mississippi;
- and has at least 5 years’ experience working with seniors, either in the for-profit or
non-profit sector.
NOMINATION PACKET MUST BE COMPLETED ENTIRELY AND HAVE TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION TO BE CONSIDERED.
In order for your nomination to be accepted, please adhere to the following:
- Complete Nomination Form (must be typed).
- Include at least two (2) letters of recommendation (must be typed)
- Scan and attach additional items such as pictures, newspaper articles, etc., not to exceed two pages. (optional)
- Completed entries must postmarked by no later than December 31st of each year.
All completed nomination forms, attachments and reference letters are the property of the Professional Network on Aging and will be used at the discretion of the PNA Board of Directors.
Questions? Contact the PNA office by email or call 901-730-0528.
Who Was Bob Bernstein?
Bob Bernstein was one of the best-known Geriatric Professionals in Shelby County. As a Geriatric Consultant he worked with seniors and their families, assisted agencies and organizations in developing senior adult services and programs, and acted as a consultant to local hospitals and senior living facilities. Bob’s passion for social work helped him established many social service community programs for seniors, as well as advocacy projects for seniors and their families. As a writer and television host, Bob shared issues of aging to the community and informed seniors and families of services available. Bob served proudly as a guest speaker at workshops and on expert panels examining the practical aspects of caring for the elderly and the hardships seniors face in our society. Bob Bernstein’s experience made him an invaluable asset to seniors and their families through his 60+ years of professional and volunteer work. His service was not a career but a lifestyle where his belief was “Social work is not a job, it’s a passion."