The "Excellence in Leadership" award is presented annually by Michael J. Burgess, Director of the New York State Office for the Aging and Stephen Acquario, Executive Director of the New York State Association of Counties, to an elected official responsible for supporting the implementation of NY Connects. The award is jointly sponsored by the Office for the Aging and the New York State Association of Counties because the program is county-based. Without the support and coordination by county leaders, programs and services for the elderly and disabled would continue to be difficult to navigate and access. County offices for the aging and social services across the state are working together to establish NY Connects programs.
The award was presented to Crystal J. Abers, Chairperson of the Cattaraugus County Legislature. In presenting the award, Director Burgess noted that because of the initiative and leadership of Legislator Abers, Cattaraugus County is well on its way to having a premier program in place to serve the elderly and disabled residents within the county.
"Given the special difficulties of providing help and services in rural areas, we need to focus more on how the rural areas of the state get things done," said Director Burgess.
As County Chairwoman, Ms. Abers has led the county legislature through various resolutions that have had full support and allowed the lead agencies to establish an effective and cost efficient local NY Connects office.
Under her leadership, the county legislature has strongly supported co-locating staff from three agencies in a newly established office location that provides unbiased information on service options. The arrangement works best for those needing help because there is now one program to contact in the county, instead of four or five.
