Karen Alves recognized as one of the 2016 Unsung Heroines

Karen Alves of Medway was honored Wednesday as a member of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women's 2016 class of Unsung Heroines. Karen was recommended by Representatives Jeffrey Roy and John Fernandes and Senators Karen E. Spilka and Richard J. Ross for this recognition because of her dedicated years of service and for her role as director of the Senior Center in Franklin. Karen was honored with 100 other Unsung Heroines in a ceremony in the Great Hall at the State House in Boston.

Alves is the Director of the Franklin Senior Center and Council on Aging. Her success derives from her 15 years of dedicated work for the hundreds of senior citizen that receive daily services in Franklin. In 2014 Karen was named Massachusetts's council on aging Innovator of the Year for her advocacy, planning, and implementation of an in-home respite care service, providing relief to caregivers of seniors suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

In 2010 Karen and the Franklin Senior Center were awarded Innovator of the Year by the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging for the Safe and Secure at Home program that provides outreach and assistance to frail, homebound, or isolated seniors who are at risk for life-threatening falls.

"Karen's great work with Franklin's seniors provides peace of mind for countless families, a nurturing center for our elders, and a place for seniors to thrive," said Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) "Throughout her years of service, she has given her time, talent, spirit, and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of Franklin's elder population. She never seeks the limelight and returns each year to the task of making Franklin a great place to live, work, and raise a family."

Representative John Fernandes (D-Milford) added: "I commend Karen, not only for her devoted and compassionate treatment, but also for her numerous initiatives and civic endeavors that have made life easier, healthier and safer for our seniors."

"Karen is a terrific leader in the Franklin community and a strong voice for our seniors," said Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). "This is a very well-deserved honor for a woman who is actively making a difference, and I was proud to honor her at the State House among other strong, female leaders across MetroWest and the Commonwealth."

"Karen is truly the embodiment of selfless service. Every day she works tirelessly to improve the lives of our Franklin seniors and I am pleased that we were able to honor her for all that she has done for our community," said Senator Richard Ross. (R-Wrentham)

The Unsung Heroines are women who don't make the news, but make the difference. They are the women who use their time, talent and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others and make a difference in their neighborhoods, cities and towns. They are mentors, volunteers and innovators who do what needs to be done without expectations of recognition or gratitude. These women are the glue that keeps a community together and every community is better because of their contribution.

Left to right: Senator Richard Ross, Karen Alves, Representative Jeffrey Roy