Anita Van Boerum, 72, and city of Phoenix Manzanita Senior Center supervisor for 23 years, was selected as one of seven 2008 Ageless Heroes at a recent awards ceremony at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa.
Van Boerum received the Community Involvement award, which is given to an Arizona senior who shows strength in commitment to a community and its individuals. She was recognized for her resourcefulness, particularly her ability to collect and use community resources for the center.
She also was acknowledged for her ability to be sensitive to the changing needs of individual seniors at the center, and to spot subtle distress and compassionately address it. She assists those who need transportation find rides, those who are ill receive medical care and those who need more food but cannot afford it to find nourishing meals.
Van Boerum also volunteers at a homeless shelter and obtains books and clothing for low-income Phoenix children.
The 10th annual awards program was developed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of Arizona seniors. The awardees are recognized for what they give back to the community and how they inspire and effect the lives of those around them.
