AARP Texas Recognizes Andrus Award Winner
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2003-10-28 10:03:00-05:00
AARP Texas Recognizes Andrus Award Winner
Trinidad "Trini" Acosta of El Paso has been named the winner of the 2003 AARP Texas Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association's most prestigious volunteer award. This award symbolizes that individuals have the power and ability to make a difference in the lives of others.
AARP Texas selected Acosta for her remarkable service and for the impact she's had on the lives of others and upon her community. Receiving four separate nominations, Acosta is known throughout El Paso as "The AARP Lady," for she is always educating the community on AARP programs and services, as well as advocating for the rights of older adults.
Acosta's Many Community Service Activities Include
- Project MEDS (Medication Education Designed for Seniors) Program — Volunteer Coordinator
- Mayor ' s Advisory Council — Chair of the Board
- Health Care Reform campaigns — Volunteer Speaker
- Rio Grande Council of Governments
- Texas Department on Aging Citizens Advisory Council
- YWCA Health and Fitness Program
- The American Cancer Society
- S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) Council — co chair
- Pro-Action Group of El Paso — member of Board of Directors
- R.S.V.P. — Chair of Board
- El Paso State Center
- March of Dimes
- El Paso Boys ' Clubs
- El Paso Schools Drop-Out Program
- Life Management Center of the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services
Since many of the people with whom she works do not speak English, Acosta also spends her spare time accompanying them to doctor's appointments, interpreting and explaining the doctor's orders and responses of the patient.
The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service recognizes members and volunteers who, through volunteer service, are significantly enhancing members' lives in the areas of service to youth; home and community based services for older adults; nursing home quality; and services that provide or promote benefits to low income older adults. The award will be formally presented to Acosta at a ceremony in El Paso Nov. 3.
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