Caritas Award

Caritas is a Latin term meaning loving kindness towards others. Caritas is linked to the generosity and helpfulness one extends to another; the act of self-sacrifice for the good of others; love of others generated and motivated by and motivated by God’s love. As one of the spiritual virtues identified in Christian tradition, Caritas is held to be the highest order of the human spirit.

The Caritas Award is presented by PAHSA to recognize a group or individual serving among PAHSA’s members who exemplify the Christian virtue to love God and neighbor.

Sponsored by:

“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”

Jesus said to him, “’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
~ Matthew 22:36-39

The Caritas Award includes:

A personalized recognition trophy given to and individual recipient or a group
A substantial donation to the member organization’s philanthropy in honor of the recipient(s)
Recognition at the Annual Fall Gathering and on PAHSA.ORG

Eligibility

Individual or group whose organization is an active PAHSA member
Nominees are current employees, volunteers and/or residents and remain so at the time the award is presented
Nominees have demonstrated the Christian virtue to love God and neighbor
Nominees have made a significant and positive contribution to the wellbeing of the senior living community or organization through their actions, initiatives or relationships
Nominees have given permission to be nominated and agree to cooperate with verification requests
Nomination is endorsed by organization’s leadership

Nominations for the Caritas Award will open in Summer 2025.

Award will be presented in November 2025 at the Fall Gathering in Boston, Massachusettes.

Meet the 2024 Caritas recipient

Selection Criteria
After nominations close, The Education Committee of PAHSA will review all nominees based on the following criteria:

Nominee’s actions, initiatives or relationships (work) align with the mission of the nominee’s organization and PAHSA’s faith-based values
Nominee’s work visibly demonstrates the Christian virtue to love God and neighbor
Nominee’s work fosters the culture of wellbeing within the senior living community or organization

The member organization of finalist will be notified regarding continued eligibility of recipient and acceptance. If the way be clear, the Education Committee will recommend finalist to Board of Directors for approval.

Notification to recipient/group and member organization
Upon final board approval, the member organization and recipient will be notified and acceptance confirmed.

Announcement and presentation
The award is presented at the Fall Gathering at LeadingAge.
Recipient Individual or representative(s) of group will be invited to be present if feasible. If not, a representative of the member organization may accept on behalf of the recipient.
Award recipient will be announced/introduced on PAHSA’s website and through communications with PAHSA membership.