Dee braden - Stories of impact with the coles county council

Introduction to the Dee Braden Award
The Dee Braden Award celebrates Dee Braden’s dedication to senior services and community enrichment. This award honors her 41 years with the Coles County Council on Aging, where she served as the guiding force behind initiatives that strengthened services for seniors and fostered community involvements.

Background on Dee Braden’s Contributions
Braden began her work with the Council on Aging while studying at Eastern Illinois University, where she pursued sociology, psychology, and gerontology. Starting with the RSVP and Telecare programs, she connected seniors with volunteer opportunities and supported their needs. Just two years later, she was named the agency’s first Executive Director, using her role to expand funding sources and bring new programs to life for the community.

As Executive Director, Braden led key expansions in services, including new meal and transportation programs and in-home assistance for seniors, while opening centers in Charleston and Mattoon. She also championed Coles County’s senior citizens property tax levy—the first of its kind in Illinois—which became a funding model for senior services across the state. One of her landmark achievements was the LifeSpan Center, which provided centralized, multi-generational community services under one roof.

Dee Braden’s Legacy of Community Impact
Among Braden’s most impactful initiatives was the Dial-A-Ride program, which began as an appointment-only service but evolved to scheduled routes across Coles and Douglas Counties. Her contributions earned three Illinois Governor’s Awards: one for constructing the LifeSpan Center, another for Dial-A-Ride’s expansion, and a third for her role in a statewide elder abuse task force that helped enact new legislation.

Criteria for Dee Braden Award Nominees
To be nominated, individuals should demonstrate a sustained commitment to serving seniors and enhancing community resources. They should embody leadership qualities, bringing innovation and a collaborative spirit to support programs for seniors. Nominees should also share Braden’s values of integrity, dedication, and responsiveness to community needs, focusing on making a lasting difference.

Call for Nominations
Community members are encouraged to submit nominations, including examples of the nominee’s impact and alignment with Braden’s values. Nominations should detail the nominee’s dedication to senior services and community involvement. Specific submission details and the deadline will be provided for all who wish to participate in honoring these outstanding individuals.

Conclusion
The Dee Braden Award is a way to honor those who share Braden’s mission of building a strong, supportive community for seniors and all generations. We invite everyone to recognize community members who have made a significant impact and carry forward Braden’s legacy through their work.