The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a dynamic center of leadership and nationwide expertise in the issues of aging. This organization's mission mirrors the lifelong dedication of Senator Pepper: "to promoting the dignity, self-determination, well-being, and contributions of older persons and to enhancing the field of aging through leadership and service, education and advocacy..."
Since 1994, the Pepper Foundation has supported financially and participated in the presentation of the Claude Pepper Award for Excellence in Community-based Long-Term Care. This award recognizes individuals in the field who have shown true leadership and made special significant contributions in the development of a continuum of services that enable older people to live at home with dignity, independence and autonomy for as long as they are able.
The 2000 recipient was Dr. Rose Dobrof, DSW, of the Brookdale Center on Aging of Hunter College in New York, New York, who was recognized for her contributions over more than 50 years to the field of aging. She received the award at NCOA's celebration of its 50th Annual Conference on March 30, 2000. The theme of the conference was "Vital Aging." Professor Dobrof is a nationally renowned expert in the field of aging, and has helped make the Brookdale Center a leading research, education and clinical center. The Center has a significant and positive impact on community based services.
