For Hometown News
During an awards' ceremony, celebrating the contributions of more than 500 statewide volunteers, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs' Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders Program announced Joseph "Joe" Schuerger, as the award winner of the "Arnie Abrams Volunteer of the Year."
Mr. Schuerger is a local Brevard County volunteer Medicare counselor.
Named for long-time SHINE volunteer, Arnie Abrams, this annual award recognizes volunteers for their dedication to clients and the program, reliability, compassion for clients and local community, and persistence with resolving each SHINE client's situation.
Nominations are accepted for outstanding volunteers across the state, and can be submitted from anyone associated with the SHINE program, including fellow volunteers and staff.
Since joining SHINE, Mr. Schuerger has become a highly regarded volunteer by his clients and fellow volunteer counselors. He has taken on many responsibilities to help the local program and make information easily accessible to his fellow volunteers.
Mr. Schuerger launched a major community outreach effort by contacting religious leaders in Brevard County's 300 Houses of Worship, encouraging them to welcome SHINE presentations and counseling, and to bring a general awareness of the SHINE program to their congregations. This project has been well-received and has resulted in many presentations and ongoing partnerships.
SHINE is a program of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and is operated throughout the state, in partnership with the Area Agencies on Aging. Senior Resource Alliance serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Brevard, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.
The program provides free and unbiased education and counseling for Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers.
Trained SHINE volunteers help elders understand and receive the health insurance coverage they need through Medicare, Medicaid, prescription assistance, long-term care planning and insurance, and other health care issues.
If you are interested in volunteering for the SHINE program, contact Diana Chin, SHINE Liaison, at Senior Resource Alliance by calling (800) 963-5337.