By Ron Tatro, Vice President 

On August 29, 2018, Elder Law of Michigan honored Karla Fales, CEO of CareWell Services Southwest, Area Agency on Aging, for her contributions in working to support and protect seniors in Calhoun and Barry County.

The Joe D. Sutton Call To Justice Awards honor those that share the mission of Elder Law of Michigan to advocate for, educate, and assist those in need, with a continued focus on older adults and person with disabilities.

Ron Tatro, Vice President of Elder Law of Michigan, said, “I have never seen her waiver in her conviction that principles, integrity and seniors come first. She serves as an example to all who are fortunate to know her.”

Karla became the CEO of CareWell Services in 2008 after serving as the manager of the Calhoun County Office for Seniors Services. Today she manages the agency’s 60 plus employees and an $18 million budget for programs and services that promote health, independence and choice for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers.

She is the chair and convener of the Calhoun County Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition and is one of the most active trainers and advocates in the region. She helped implement the response protocols and intervention programs for elder abuse victims in the county. CareWell Services has joined with Elder Law of Michigan on a federal grant to study how better to coordinate services for elder abuse victims.

Through community service, she continues to serve some of the most vulnerable members of her community.