Lurie, Besikof, Lapidus & Company, LLP - This year’s award was funded by Lurie, Besikof, Lapidus & Company, LLP, a long-time friend and supporter of Shelley Joseph-Kordell.

“Our Firm recognized early on the personal and professional potential in Shelley Joseph-Kordell’s vision for advocacy and service to the senior community. We are very proud to be a part of her dream and the subsequent growth and success of her legacy, Estates in Transition/Rent A Daughter^TM. Shelley left a positive impression on everyone she met and was the voice for countless seniors seeking a better and more peaceful life. This Award symbolizes everything she stood for, and we are honored to be a part of this event.”

UCare Minnesota - UCare Minnesota provides nearly 140,000 Minnesotans with the health coverage plans and services they need to maintain and improve their health. Working with health care providers, community organizations, and others throughout Minnesota, we create innovative health coverage plans to help meet the needs of medicare-eligible individuals; individuals and families enrolled in Minnesota Health Care Programs, such as MinnesotaCare and Medical Assistance; and disabled adults with special health care needs.  UCare was founded in 1984 by the Department of Family Practice and Community Health at the University of Minnesota.  Today, we are an independent, nonprofit health plan that is recognized as one of the state's leading health maintenance organizations.

Gregg Getchell and Joe Guertin created the Emerald Crest concept in 1998. Their collective interest and mission was to create an innovative model of senior housing and care for individuals with memory challenges. This model is based on both research and actual working experience which demonstrates how care for seniors with memory challenges is best accomplished: in smaller, home-like residences where one's dignity, privacy, safety and quality of life can be preserved. By complementing this environment with a unique cognitive care program administered by Registered Occupational Therapists and support staff, Emerald Crest offers seniors and their families a refreshing new option as an alternative to nursing home placement or large "institutional" settings.  The locally owned and operated Emerald Crest homes are specifically designed and staffed to provide a superior cognitive care program for its memory challenged residents.

When your health takes a turn for the worse, you worry about regaining your strength, getting back on your feet and staying safely in your home. Unfortunately, each year thousands of Americans are forced to leave the homes and neighborhoods they love due to failing health. The good news is now there is an alternative. AgeWell Home Care allows you to continue living at home on your own terms. AgeWell offers a variety of cost-effective services to help take away the worry, assist you in getting your independence back and keep you in control of how things are done.

We envision a future where residents are healthy and successful and where our communities are safe and vibrant. We will strive to meet and exceed expectations by engaging people and communities in developing innovative solutions to challenges. We will be a diverse, learning organization. We will partner with others to enhance the quality of life in Hennepin County and the region.

The Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging is the designated area agency on aging for the seven county metropolitan area. The Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging is a catalyst in building communities where elders live with dignity, mutual respect and shared responsibilities across generations and cultures.