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 Balancing basketball schedules, Brownie meetings, a full-time job with a national association and Federal field hearings is the life for one Albany mom, who's spearheading a Congressional panel to improve the lives of aging Americans. Nancy Hooks, mother of three, (pictured with Secretary Thompson) is the co-chair for the U.S. Commission on Affordable Housing and Health Facility Needs for Seniors in the 21st Century, and runs the operation entirely out of her home.
Appointed to the "Seniors Commission" by former Congressman Rick Lazio (NY-02), Nancy Hooks began her crusade for senior citizens in the early '80s while with the New York State Department of Health on a part time basis, splitting her time in three ways: work, home and pursuing her masters degree. In 1992, Ms. Hooks joined the New York chapter of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), a nonprofit organization representing owners and operators of senior housing, assisted living, nursing homes, continuing care retirement communities and home/community based service providers. It was at this point that she noticed that the Federal government could benefit from combining efforts between those programs dedicated to housing and health care services, both of which are currently operated by two different agencies. Ms. Hooks is currently a Regional Vice President AAHSA, as well as the Commission's co-chair. Throughout nearly twelve years of her career, Ms. Hooks maintained a part-time work schedule in order to remain available to her husband, two sons and her daughter. The Commission's role is to create a portrait of the current status of senior citizen housing and healthcare services, based on research and public testimony, and offer Congress recommendations to design and implement a more effective, coordinated and efficient housing and health strategy. Recommendations are due at the end of June 2002. Ms. Hooks' background is enabling her to have potential impact on the quality of lives of millions of Americans. Her career path and gained knowledge is also personally beneficial in navigating the system as her own family members age. Her mother-in-law is in the second stage of Alzheimers and her parents are both in their late seventies. Further information on the U.S. Commission on Affordable Housing and Health Facility Needs for Seniors in the 21st Century is available on the Web at www.seniorscommission.gov Photo Credit: Susan Davis International Read more about Baby Boomers making a difference in society. |