News
26-Year AAA Veteran Assumes Helm of Eldercare Locator
We are delighted that Patrice Earnest has joined us as the Director of the Eldercare Locator, following a 26-year career at the Atlanta Regional Commission AAA where she most recently served as the Coordinator of Education and Resources.
Patrice retired for a year, but we were fortunate to tempt her back to work to assume the vital role of leading the only national call center to provide support to consumers across the spectrum of issues affecting older adults.
Patrice refers to her passion for serving older adults as a calling that began at a young age. As a student, she interned at an assisted care unit and later served as a Meals on Wheels volunteer coordinator, work that helped her gain a deep appreciation of the vital role of direct service providers.
During her decades at the ARC AAA, Patrice has worn many hats. She started the region's SHIP program and implemented three AmeriCorp VISTA programs, all while continuing to help expand the agency's information and referral program.
"The Eldercare Locator serves as a trusted gateway for older adults and caregivers seeking assistance, a gateway that leads them directly to the AAA in their community where their needs are matched with vital, local resources,” said Patrice. "It's an honor to be a part of a program with such a long track record of success."
We hope you will reach out to Patrice, not only to welcome her, but also to share your ideas about how the Eldercare Locator can strengthen its role as a partner, with AAAs, in the process of helping older adults and caregivers access services.