News

United Way of West Alabama (UWWA) has named Caring Days Adult Day Care the recipient of the Homer S. Butler, Jr. Agency of the Year Award, recognizing the organization’s exceptional service to individuals living with memory loss and the families and caregivers who support them.

The award was announced during UWWA’s annual Campaign Kickoff Lunch on August 11 at the Bryant Conference Center. Caring Days Executive Director LaDerrick Smith was called to the stage to accept the honor alongside members of the organization’s staff and board of directors.

“Caring Days represents the very best of what it means to serve with compassion, dignity and purpose,” said Jackie Wuska, President & CEO of UWWA. “Their impact reaches far beyond the individuals who walk through their doors each day. They give caregivers the peace of mind and support they need to continue working, caring for their families and living their lives. LaDerrick, his staff, board and volunteers have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to this community, and we are proud to recognize Caring Days with this well-deserved honor.”

Selecting just one organization for the honor is no easy task. UWWA’s 30 partner agencies are reviewed annually by Volunteer Allocation Teams made up of community members who evaluate agency programs, stewardship and impact and make recommendations regarding United Way funding and provide feedback about the agencies.

Caring Days traces its beginnings to 1994, when members of First Presbyterian Church recognized a gap in services available locally for individuals experiencing memory loss and their families. With the support of area congregations, Caring Congregations was incorporated, and its first program — Caring Days — was established in 1997 to provide adult day care for individuals experiencing memory loss. Caring Days became a United Way of West Alabama partner agency in 2001.

The organization quickly gained recognition for its work. In the year following its inception, Caring Days received the prestigious LOTUS Award from Spain Rehabilitation Center in Birmingham for its contributions to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. Caring Days has also earned national distinction for the quality of its services. It is one of only 19 programs in the United States and the only adult day care program in Alabama to be recognized as a Dementia Care Program of Distinction by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Today, Caring Days provides a safe, welcoming and engaging environment for its clients while offering an equally important resource for their caregivers. The program allows family caregivers the opportunity to go to work, run errands, meet a friend for lunch or simply take time for themselves knowing their loved one is safe, active and cared for.

“The Homer Butler Award recognizes a partner agency that sets a standard of excellence in carrying out its mission,” Wuska added. “Caring Days does that every day through a remarkable combination of professional care and genuine compassion. We are fortunate to have a program of this caliber right here in West Alabama.”

The Homer S. Butler, Jr. Agency of the Year Award was established in 2012 in honor of longtime United Way President & CEO Homer Butler, who served the organization for 20 years and helped build the foundation for the United Way of West Alabama of today. The award has since become a coveted recognition among local nonprofit organizations.