Janet Sainer Tribute

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Citymeals-on-Wheels Board and staff are deeply saddened by the loss of Janet Sainer, our onetime partner, long-time friend and dedicated Board member, passionate advocate for the city’s elderly, an inspiration to women and community-minded citizens everywhere. Citymeals might never have taken root and flourished without her instinctive response, her enthusiasm and creativity in 1981 as the Commissioner for the New York City Department for the Aging. She was a pioneer and tireless activist in the field of aging, developing innovative programs copied nationwide. She was the energy behind the Retired Senior Volunteer Program with over 700 sites across the country and established the city’s Alzheimer’s Resource Center. And she remained an aggressive activist for the elderly long into her own eighties, bringing her wisdom just this week to a conference in Denver where she delivered her last plea for the cause that filled her life with meaning. Feeling this sad loss ourselves, we send comfort to Janet’s family who so clearly adored her.