Sarah Steckler, Partner in the Trusts and Estates Group and Elder Law Group at Warshaw Burstein, LLP, has been named to a second three-year term as a member of the Older Americans Act Advisory Council (OAAAC) to provide advice and assistance making recommendations to Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) on programmatic and policy matters related to particular areas of concern. Council members serve as a formal liaison between DSPS and the public to ensure that DSPS understands public concerns and that the activities communicated to the public.
 

The Older Americans Act of 1965 was enacted by the U.S. Congress to aid in the development of new or improved programs to help older persons secure equal opportunity to vital necessities so they may live independently with dignity.
 

The Act established the Administration on Aging as the focal point at the federal level to oversee the development of a national network of comprehensive coordinated service opportunities for older persons.  The Older Americans Act is the nation’s largest single source of social supportive services aimed at the elderly, outside of programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
 

The Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) was established as the Area Agency on Aging in 1974 to serve persons 60 years of age and older in the Westchester geographic area. It’s mission is to identify and prioritize the needs of the elderly within Westchester County; create comprehensive and coordinated plans for meeting those needs; advocate for responsive policies, programs, actions, legislations and resources on behalf of the elderly; and administer federal, state and county funded programs and services for seniors.