SARASOTA, Fla. — From helping seniors stay active to making sure they don't feel alone, Senior Friendship Centers have served those 50 years and older in all aspects of aging.

What You Need To Know

  • Erin McLeod was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award

  • According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Service Survey Data in 2023, around 30% of the Southwest Florida population is 65 or older

  • Senior Friendship Centers helps seniors at all stages of their senior lives

They’ve helped thousands of people over the years, but one person is being recognized for their service. 

Erin McLeod was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Wednesday for her dedication in assisting the senior community. 

“It’s really important that we know that there’s someone there for us and that’s what we are,” she said. “We’re there for older adults and their families, so they’re not going at it alone.”

For the last 20 years, McLeod has dedicated her time to making the lives of seniors in her community better through her work with Senior Friendship Centers. 

As the CEO, she tackles all sorts of senior issues, from health and wellness to isolation and hunger. 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Service Survey Data in 2023, around 30% of the Southwest Florida population is 65 or older.

“Every person should be seen and heard, respected, and treated with dignity,” she said. “Not just put down because of an age or number. I’m humbled and honored, and it doesn’t really belong to me. It belongs to everybody around me that makes this community a better place.”

Speakers said it’s McLeod’s dedication to serving thousands of people over the years that led to her receiving this award.