First Church member Jennifer Severance, PhD was named 2019 recipient of the Harriet Griffin Award by the Tarrant Area Gerontological Society in its recent Summer Forum.

The Harriet Griffin Award is presented to an individual or group who demonstrates excellence in public policy regarding older adults. A faculty member at UNT Health Science Center, Dr. Severance is very active in working with the greater Tarrant County community to enhance quality of life for senior adults, especially those living with dementia.

“Jennifer was one of the first people I visited with when we began to think about what our dementia ministry might look like,” says Linda Abel, RN, program director of Dementia Friendly Fort Worth and our own Dementia Care ministries.

“I will never forget our first visit,” Linda adds. “I went to meet her and she greeted me by saying, ‘I’m so glad the church is doing this ministry. That’s my church.’ Her words were just another confirmation for me that God was leading us into this ministry. Jennifer is also the one who encouraged me to think more about Dementia Friendly America and how we might bring that initiative to Fort Worth, as they say, the rest is history! Dementia Friendly Fort Worth exists in part due to the encouragement of Jenifer, and her influence continues today as we work together to educate people about dementia.”

Congratulation, Jennifer! We are proud of you.