Commission on Services to the Aging Selects Lansing Worker to Receive "Gatekeeper of the Month" Award

Michigan Offices of Services to the Aging Director Lynn Alexander, today announced that Mary Ann Ellickson, a Customer Service Representative II with Consumers Energy Lansing office, has been named "Gatekeeper of the Month" by the Michigan Commission and Office of Services to the Aging.

"Thanks to Mary Ann’s concern, a senior in need was able to get information on available services and assistance," said Alexander. "The Gatekeeper program is an outstanding example of a public-private partnership working to benefit senior citizens. Mary Ann Ellickson provided an invaluable service to this elderly woman."

While Ellickson was speaking to an elderly woman who had called in regarding telephone service, Ellickson recognized that the woman was in need of assistance. By providing the name of the woman to her supervisor at Consumers Energy, the local Area Agency on Aging was able to contact the woman and assist her in obtaining needed services.

The Gatekeeper program has operated in Michigan with both private and non-profit businesses since April 1987 and is assisted by the state’s 16 Area Agencies on Aging.