Because of Ms. Boles efforts, the Valley Area Agency on Aging has received a wealth of additional funding opportunities and grants to improve the lives of seniors. She organized and conducted a Region-wide Needs Assessment for Seniors to identify areas of needs/resources in the senior community. Changing the organization from a single focus of carrying out Older American’s Act duties to a business model. Taking on private pay with hospitals and managed care organizations and becoming Medicaid certified. This funding continues to provide seniors and their families in the Valley Area with the following life-changing programs:
- KISS (Keeping Independent Senior Safe)- nationally recognized program
- Piloted MI Capable Project in Region 5 serving 34 people in the year 2017.
- Established MI-Choice Waiver Program in Region 5- this program has experienced much success since its inception in 1998. Serving 500 people per year. This program became a Managed Care Program in 2014 saving $8 million dollars that was reinvested into the program.
- Care Transition Program- VAAA was one of 100 area agencies to receive the funding for this opportunity. Working with five hospitals, the goal of this project is to reduce hospital readmissions. VAAA has successfully reduced readmissions by 20% serving 5,021 people.
- RSVP- Volunteer program for Retired Senior Citizens- received 2018 Governor Service Award
- Created Big Wheels Deliver Meals – Elected officials and community leaders delivering meals to Home Delivered Meal clients in Genesee County
- Candidate Forum in which over 170 seniors attended
- Senior Power Day over 2,500 seniors attend each year
- Successfully integrated Medicare Part D
- Valley Newsletters
- Weekly Valley Radio Program “Healthy Aging” providing education, resources, and highlighting VAAA services.
- Established Valley Area Agency on Aging Annual Meeting- This event highlights VAAA yearly accomplishments and recognizes Centranerians, Community Partners, and Volunteers
In addition to the Valley Area Agency on Aging programs above, Kathryn has been able to change the way the Valley Area Agency on Aging operates by increasing availability of information to seniors in Genessee, Shiawassee, and Lapeer counties. She established the Information and Assistance department where now over 26,000 calls come into the agency every year. To accommodate new demand, Ms. Boles has also computerized the Case Manager Field and moved it to work from home to improve efficiency.