News

9/03/09

Housing Authority of Northumberland County
Receives Dual National Award for
Program Innovation/Community Revitalization
and Resident & Client Services Initiatives

MILTON, Pa. – The Housing Authority of Northumberland County (HANC) was recently named a 2009 recipient of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) Merit Award for the Authority’s development of Roosevelt Court in Kulpmont, where LIFE Geisinger’s adult day care center, Luzerne County Community College, and senior independent housing facilities are located.

The NAHRO’s Merit Award recognizes outstanding achievement in housing and community development programs. The award was presented to Edward P. Christiano, executive director, Housing Authority of Northumberland County; Nicholas P. Goretski, chairman, Housing Development Corporation of Northumberland County; and Amy Minnich, RN, BSN, director, LIFE Geisinger, at NAHRO’s 2009 Summer Conference in Portland, Ore.

“NAHRO members have been innovative in their solutions to address resident services, operations, housing development, and economic development in their communities,” said NAHRO President Renee Rooker. “They have taken advantage of opportunities and we are proud to recognize their achievements.”

Specifically, the Authority was instrumental in bringing the LIFE Geisinger program to Kulpmont. The LIFE Geisinger program offers an alternative to nursing home care, providing seniors with the option to attend day health services and supportive home care through an innovative social and medical care model. The Roosevelt Court site provides state-of-the-art facilities for more than 50 seniors in north central Pennsylvania.

Christiano acknowledged several groups and individuals for their support of the Kulpmont project, including Kulpmont Borough Council, State Senator John Gordner, and Northumberland County Commissioners Frank Sawicki, Kurt Masser, and Vinny Clausi.

State Representative Robert Belfanti received special recognition for his ongoing support and financial counsel during the development of the housing, educational, and LIFE Geisinger phases of the project.

The NAHRO is a 75-year-old membership organization of 3,200 housing and community development agencies and 19,500 professionals throughout the United States whose mission is to create affordable housing and safe, viable communities that enhance the quality of life for all Americans, especially those of low and moderate income. NAHRO ensures that housing and community development professionals have the leadership skills and education to serve communities; advocate for appropriate laws and policies; and foster the highest standard of ethical behavior, service, and accountability.

LIFE Geisinger serves the elderly population who might otherwise be confined to a nursing home. The program offers comprehensive healthcare services by physicians, nurses, therapists, and social workers to meet the medical, social, and emotional needs of participants. Services are provided in the participant’s own home and through on-site daily care at the Kulpmont facility. LIFE Geisinger services are available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.