Laura Allen, who previously headed up Kenton County’s Aging Readiness Plan, has joined the local branch of Meals on Wheels.
Allen’s previous work aimed to establish a five-year plan for addressing issues of long-term care, housing, transportation and social connection for older adults in Kenton County. She brings a long career of exploring issues of aging to her new role as Meals on Wheels’ new director of development.
“Our community has already benefited from Dr. Allen’s work in the field of aging,” said Meals on Wheels Chief Advancement Officer Justin Beale. “As one of the leading senior service providers in the region, Meals on Wheels is lucky to have Dr. Allen guiding our development efforts and cultivating a culture of philanthropy.”
Allen is a former Fulbright Scholar and has a Ph.D. in Integrated Social Sciences from Bar-Ilan University in Israel. She’s also conducted research as part of the EU Horizon 2020 EuroAgeism network, a multidisciplinary research project that focuses on ageism. Originally from Crittenden, she earned her bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration from Western Kentucky University.
“One of the most important things I learned in my last position was the economic impact of aging services like Meals on Wheels,” Allen said. “Supporting older adults to stay at home for longer not only serves the individual client but it creates a ripple effect across our entire community—from reducing the strain on our healthcare system to the neighborhoods, organizations and local businesses that benefit when older adults remain active, independent participants.”
You can learn more about Meals on Wheels at muchmorethanameal.org.