2018 Silver Key Coaltion Tess Canja Award Application Process Now Closed

The Silver Key Coalition Tess Canja Innovation Award is given to non-profit in-home service providers for older adults that have implemented innovative approaches to improve social determinants of health. This award was named in honor of Tess Canja who has been a life-long advocate for older adults.

The top three award winners are selected by a committee of statewide volunteers based on the creativity, cost effectiveness, replicability, and quantified positive impact demonstrated by their innovative approach to service delivery.The first place award winner will receive a $2,000 donation. Two additional $500 donations will be given to the next two highest-scoring nominees. 

Completed Applications must be submitted by August 15th. Award winners will be honored at the Michigan Area Agencies on Aging Association (4AM) annual conference on October 9th and 10th, 2018.

To view more information about this award opportunity and application instructions, click here.

2017 Canja Award Information:

Click here to see information about our 2017 award winners!

 Four Aging Network Providers Honored with the Silver Key Coalition’s Tess Canja Innovation Award, Sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Local social services agencies acknowledged for advancing in-home services for seniors

In recognition of their commitment to senior service, the Mecosta County Commission on Aging, City of Farmington Hills Nutrition Program, Midland Council on Aging and Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan were presented with The Silver Key Coalition Tess Canja Innovation Award on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Lansing office.

Sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Silver Key Coalition Tess Canja Innovation Award recognized social service agencies that implemented innovative approaches to increase their efficiency in providing essential in-home services for older Michiganians. These innovations are helping Michigan to become a No-Wait List State for senior in-home services. The service providers being recognized at this ceremony are credited with implementing innovations that use public funds efficiently, enabling more seniors to be served.

“Blue Cross is dedicated to supporting Michigan seniors and the growing demand for in-home service providers,” said Suzanne Miller Allen, director of Community Responsibility at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “We’re thrilled to be able to help recognize these great organizations that provide much-needed services to those in need and continually find ways to streamline the process for success and efficiency.”

This award was named in honor of Tess Canja, who has been a life-long advocate for older adults. The top four award winners were selected by AARP statewide volunteers based on the creativity, cost-effectiveness, replicability, quantified positive impact and the exceptional stewardship of public dollars demonstrated by their innovative approaches to service delivery. The top four winners received cash prizes sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan during the awards ceremony on March 22, 2017 (pictured right)

2017 Award Presentation