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The Compass Newsletter
A Monthly Update from
Senior Resources of
West Michigan
An Area Agency on Aging Serving Muskegon, Oceana & Ottawa counties
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In This Issue...
This month, we're celebrating the people behind the mission.
From national recognition and conference presentations to resident advocacy, board leadership, and the dedicated staff who serve our communities every day.
This issue highlights the individuals whose passion, expertise, and commitment help make Senior Resources a trusted resource for older adults and caregivers across Muskegon, Oceana, and Ottawa Counties.
| | | Celebrating the People Behind the Mission | |
One of Our Favorite Days of the Year!
This month, the Senior Resources team took a few hours to step away from our desks and gather for one of our favorite traditions, our annual staff picnic. Between great food, games, raffle prizes, and plenty of laughter, the afternoon gave us an opportunity to reconnect, celebrate our accomplishments, and enjoy time together outside of our daily work.
While we are proud of the services, advocacy, and support we provide across Muskegon, Oceana, and Ottawa counties, it is our people who make that work possible. We are grateful for every member of the Senior Resources team and to our Internal Fun Outreach Committee for organizing another wonderful event. Taking time to celebrate one another helps strengthen the relationships that allow us to better serve older adults, caregivers, and our communities every day.
| Pam Curtis Receives National Leadership Award from USAging | | Pictured left to right: Sandy Markwood, Chief Executive Officer of USAging; Pam Curtis, Chief Executive Officer of Senior Resources of West Michigan and recipient of the USAging Excellence in Leadership Award; and Duana Patton, USAging Board President, during the award presentation at the USAging Annual Conference in San Diego. | | |
Senior Resources of West Michigan is proud to celebrate CEO Pam Curtis, who recently received the prestigious USAging Excellence in Leadership Award, a national honor recognizing outstanding leaders in aging services. The award was presented at the USAging Annual Conference and recognizes individuals who advance the mission of helping older adults remain independent, healthy, and connected to their communities. For more than 36 years, Pam has dedicated her career to supporting older adults, caregivers, and strengthening aging services at the local, state, and national levels.
While accepting the award, Pam reflected on the many people who have contributed to her success: "I know that no leader succeeds alone. I have always believed that leadership is a team sport. The accomplishments being recognized today are not mine alone. They belong to the leadership team and staff at Senior Resources, my Michigan colleagues and partners, mentors, board members, community champions and all of the people who have walked beside me." Her words reflect the collaborative spirit and commitment to service that guide the work we do every day at Senior Resources.
| | Sharing Expertise Nationally | | |
At this year's USAging Conference in San Diego, Kim Vazquez, Medical Services Director, presented on Medicare billing and coding opportunities and the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, highlighting innovative approaches to supporting individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
"Programs like GUIDE create an opportunity to improve quality of life for individuals living with dementia while helping caregivers better navigate a complex healthcare system," said Vazquez. "When paired with strong Medicare billing and coding practices alongside other funding, these services can be both impactful and sustainable."
Senior Resources offers programs and services that support individuals living with dementia and the families who care for them. Learn more on our website or by calling 231-733-3585.
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Senior Resources of West Michigan leadership team members attended the 2026 USAging Conference in San Diego.
Pictured from left: Amy Florea, Community Services Director; Pam Curtis, Chief Executive Officer; and Kim Vazquez, Medical Services Director.
| | | A Voice for Long-Term Care Residents | | |
Last month, members of our Long-Term Care Ombudsman team presented at the Elder Justice Conference, sharing the important role Ombudsmen play in protecting the rights, dignity, and quality of life of individuals living in nursing homes, assisted living communities, and adult foster care homes.
Ombudsmen serve as confidential advocates for residents and their families, helping address concerns, resolve problems, and ensure every voice is heard. Their work helps improve the quality of care and quality of life for some of our community's most vulnerable older adults.
For assistance from an Ombudsman in Muskegon, Oceana, or Ottawa counties,
call 231-327-3199 or email Ombudsman@seniorresourceswmi.org.
We're here to help.
| | Meet Our Board Chair: Ken Mahoney | | |
Senior Resources Board Chair Ken Mahoney serves his community in meaningful ways, both locally and across Michigan. In addition to his role as a Montague City Councilman, Ken serves on the Michigan Advisory Council on Aging, where he helps provide insight and recommendations on issues affecting older adults throughout the state.
A longtime advocate for civic engagement, Ken believes staying active and involved is an important part of aging well. Whether serving in local government, contributing to statewide aging initiatives, or supporting the work of Senior Resources, he demonstrates how older adults continue to strengthen their communities through leadership, experience, and service.
"Giving back keeps you connected to your community and gives you a sense of purpose," said Mahoney. "There's always a way to make a difference."
We are grateful for Ken's leadership and proud to have him serve as Board Chair of the Senior Resources Board of Directors. His commitment to public service and advocacy helps advance our mission to support older adults, those with disabilities, and caregivers in the communities we serve.
Photo Caption:
Senior Resources Board Chair Ken Mahoney (left) and Vice Chair Susan Houseman (right) provide leadership and guidance to support the organization's mission of promoting the independence and dignity of older adults and their families.
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If you suspect someone you know is being abused, call 1-855-444-3911 to report your suspicions, 24-hours per day. Please note that this centralized intake line is for the entire state of Michigan and you may be on hold for some time. In case of emergency,
call 9-1-1 to report to your local police department.
Visit safeseniors.info for more information.
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Senior Resources of West Michigan
560 Seminole Road
Muskegon, MI 49444
231-733-3585
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