Richard Gaidoo, a case manager for CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, has been named recipient of the 2024 Community Champion Award. Tauhric Brown, CEO of CICOA, accepted the award on behalf of Richard at USAging’s 49th Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Tampa, Florida. The award was presented by Mom’s Meals®, the leading provider of medically tailored, home delivered meals, and USAging, the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging.
This award is presented annually to a case manager who provides exceptional services to their clients. In their work, case managers promote awareness of the importance of nutrition in overall health and highlight this critical social driver of health to help individuals who want to age at home and to support the management of chronic conditions.
According to Danielle Mosley, Assistant Director of PathWays to Aging, who nominated Richard, he is someone who continually goes above and beyond for his clients. He ensures they know where their next meal is coming from by providing food pantries with resources to ensure clients have access to food in areas where grocery stores are scarce. He also makes sure his clients with dietary restrictions have information on how to obtain meals that meet their special dietary needs.
“Richard is the case manager that will jump in with two feet without any hesitation,” said Mosley. “He provides each client with an exceptional experience and is quick to make that phone call or do an extra visit to help a client in need.”
Richard’s impact goes further than addressing food insecurity. He has also helped clients who were being evicted to secure a safe place to stay until permanent housing was found and he provided clothing and hygiene products for his clients during their transition.
Mosley also added that Richard has been recognized on several occasions by the Assisted Living Administration for his professionalism and how much he impacts his clients’ lives. “He does a phenomenal job of meeting clients where they are in their journey and ensures their needs are met,” said Mosley.
The Community Champion Award, introduced by Mom’s Meals in 2020, honors case managers for their outstanding achievements in the areas of nutrition, health and healthy lifestyles. USAging joined the effort in 2022.
“Richard Gaidoo and case managers like him are paramount to the work we do to accomplish our mission of improving life through better nutrition at home,” said John Phillips, vice president of national program development for Mom’s Meals. “Mom’s Meals and USAging are honored to recognize case managers who consistently go above and beyond for those they serve.”
“It is our pleasure to present this award to Richard Gaidoo,” stated USAging CEO Sandy Markwood. “He embodies the spirit of the Community Champion Award, which showcases the critical role case managers play in working with a diverse population of older adults to help them secure the services they need to age well at home and in their communities. Richard’s work, and that of all case managers, is truly invaluable in supporting optimal aging.”
Five case managers have previously been bestowed the Community Champion Award. Previous winners can be found here.
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About Mom’s Meals
Mom’s Meals provides fully prepared, refrigerated, home-delivered meals through Medicaid or Medicare Advantage health plan benefits or for direct purchase. Mom’s Meals delivers nationwide and offers many medically tailored options for different health conditions. Its long-term care, chronic care and post-discharge care programs allow clients to lead healthier lives while remaining independent at home. For more information, visit www.momsmeals.com.
About USAging
USAging is the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocating for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs. Our members help older adults and people with disabilities throughout the United States live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities. For more information, visit www.usaging.org and follow @theUSAging on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
About the Community Champion Award
The Community Champion Award, presented by Mom’s Meals and USAging, applauds case managers for raising awareness about nutrition in their local communities and among the clients they serve. Nutrition is crucial for managing chronic health conditions, living independently at home and reducing the impact of social determinants of health. To learn more and to nominate a case manager, go to MomsMeals.com/communitychampion.