It’s a Good Day at TSA: June 2026
July 2, 2026
This month, we’re focused on Celebrating Pride and the Community Supporting LGBTQ+ Older Adults in Michigan
It’s a Good Day at TSA
Getting Where You Need to Go: Transportation Support for Wayne County Older Adults
A missed doctor’s appointment. A grocery run that has to wait. Increased isolation from friends and family. Transportation is consistently one of the biggest challenges facing older adults and their caregivers in Wayne County, and this August, voters will weigh in on whether that landscape changes.
Our latest blog breaks down two things at once: how The Senior Alliance already offers free, limited transportation for older adults 60+ and their caregivers in urgent situations (call 734.722.2830 to see if you qualify), and what’s on the ballot with the countywide transit millage voters will decide on August 4.
Inside The Senior Alliance Podcast: SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) (Ep 66)
In this episode, Emma Case, Planning and Advocacy Manager at The Senior Alliance, is joined by Daniel Whitehouse, Vice President of Para-transit and On-Demand Services; Jim Henderson, Assistant Vice President of On-Demand Services; and Paul Johnson III, Wayne County Community Relations Ombudsperson.
They discuss all of the many services and features that SMART, the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation, offers for seniors and people with disabilities. Most people think of SMART as those large buses that provide public transportation, but SMART also offers many specialized transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities, including curb-to-curb pickup and even door-to-door, depending on need. And many of these services can be provided at a reduced rate from the normal SMART fees.
2026 USAging Achievement Award
2026 USAging Achievement Award
The Senior Alliance’s Caregiving Haven was named a 2026 Aging Achievement Award recipient by USAging, one of the highest honors given to Area Agencies on Aging nationwide.
Caregiving Haven offers family and informal caregivers a resource directory, a customizable caregiver binder, and support groups, all in one place, so caregivers know that support is always within reach.
Explore the AIA Showcase of winners to learn more: https://bit.ly/4gtpT9a.
Visit Caregiving Haven: caregivinghaven.org.
July Star of the Month: Renita Alexander
Renita Alexander is recognized by her supervisor for her professionalism, advocacy, and the steady leadership she has brought to the Long Term Care Ombudsman program.
Here’s what her team has to say:
“Despite numerous staffing changes and challenges, she has consistently stepped up, always professional, thinks outside of the box, and her work is well beyond expectations without skipping a beat. Her focused advocacy as an ombudsman has been instrumental in supporting our residents’ quality of care and quality of life. She has taken on numerous tasks as a newer ombudsman, such as mentoring new staff and onboarding and mentoring an ombudsman volunteer. She is a tremendous asset to our residents and program.” – Michelle Danou, State Ombudsman
Renita’s commitment to the residents she serves and her willingness to step up in the face of challenges make her a worthy Star of the Month. From all of us at The Senior Alliance, thank you, Renita, for everything you do!
Manager of the Quarter: Suzy Radocaj
Katie Teachout is recognized by her manager and teammates for her leadership, adaptability, and the warmth and humor she brings to the Fiscal Team every day.
Here’s what her team has to say:
“Katie’s deep knowledge, strong research skills, and ability to identify and resolve issues helped move the work forward efficiently. It is exciting to see Katie embrace professional growth opportunities. Katie continues to grow as a mentor, fiscal team member, and TSA rock star, and her positive attitude and dedication do not go unnoticed.” – Susan Ross, Manager
“Katie is an incredible asset to The Senior Alliance and an essential part of the Fiscal Team. She truly serves as the glue that holds everything together. Whenever something is missing or unclear, Katie is always there to help piece it back together with patience and expertise. She is not only an amazing employee and coworker, but also a true friend. You truly will not find a brighter star than Katie.” – Mariah VanCalbergh, Co-worker
“Katie is always the first to step up when something needs to be done. She fixes any billing errors with ease and will always say yes, even if she is busy herself. Katie keeps us laughing and makes work feel not so much like work.” – Diane Browne, Co-worker
Katie’s commitment to her team, her readiness to take on new challenges, and her genuine care for the people around her make her a worthy Star of the Month. From all of us at The Senior Alliance, thank you, Katie, for everything you do!
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