Innovative Program of the Year

Innovative Program of the Year

The Albion High School’s C.A.S. (Community as Schools) Program and the Orleans County Nursing Home have been awarded the Innovative Program of the Year Award by the NYAHSA (NY Association of Homes and Services for the Aging). The award was presented to Albion High School Instructor Brennan Meakin and Orleans County Nursing Home Administrator, Jeff Glatz at a special reception held at the nursing home on July 10, 2007 by NYAHSA Executive Director, Carl Young.

The C.A.S. program is an alternative education program for high school students struggling in the traditional school setting. The program is held at the Orleans County Nursing Home where the students combine school work with the “real life” experiences of the Home residents. Students interact with residents on a daily basis and gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the value of senior citizens. Brennan Meakin describes this program as a “transformation of not only the students, but of the nursing home residents” as well!

Executive Director Young said “this program really raises the bar for intergenerational activities for seniors, and is really a cut above”. The program also received recognition from both state and national organizations as the 2007 Leading-Edge Care and Services Award.