Senior Heroes in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum honored

The Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington (AAADSW) honors the people in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties who serve older adults. A "senior hero" is a person who serves older adults with excellence and compassion. This prestigious, annual award program brings together county, city, and civic leaders to honor the people in our communities who carry out such a service. This is the third year that Senior Heroes are presenting awards specific to Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. The honorees were nominated by members of the community, and there was one Senior Champion Award given to Teresa Howell of Wahkiakum County Health & Human Services (HHS).

As part of her nomination, Teresa was described as "passionate about helping older adults in the community" and "responding to people's needs with the utmost care." One example of Teresa's passion, according to AAADSW, is her "graciously volunteering for several social media videos to support older adults." As part of this, Teresa "donned a hard hat to advertise safety wall bar installations and fell in slow-motion to promote safety tips in the home." Teresa also helps connect older adults with Residential Energy Assistance Program funds, refers them to programs that prevent evictions, and distributes Senior Farmers Market Benefit cards.

"Teresa is a great example of how to serve older adults with compassion and excellence in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties," said AAADSW Executive Director Mike Reardon. "It's an honor to present this award to our 2025 Senior Champion. She truly makes a positive difference in the lives of older adults in the community."

Senior Heroes is a grass-roots community initiative involving everyday citizens, professionals, and civic leaders. To learn more, please visit seniorawards.org/cowlitz-wahkiakum-county. AAADSW connects older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers to a full range of community resources designed to offer choice, improve quality of life and respect independence. The organization is committed to helping its community's adults live and age well and serves adults in Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Skamania and Klickitat counties. Requests for information, assistance and general inquiries may be directed to 360-501-8399 or by emailing CowlitzADRC@dshs.wa.gov. To learn more, visit HelpingEders.org.