Gertrude Simmons – Senior Citizen Advocate/ Apprise Coordinator

In many ways, Gertrude Simmons’ work can be compared to the job of a detective.  As Senior Citizen Advocate for Erie County, Gert’s clients seek her out due to problems and confusion they are experiencing in their own lives. Whether it is a widow confused about survivor benefits or an elderly couple attempting to understand insurance coverage, it’s Gert’s job to interview the clients to learn all the facts of their particular situation. She then must investigate everything possible about the relevant regulations and laws governing the situation to inform the client of the options available to them. “I realized how acutely senior citizens need someone to help with many problems,” she states.

Gert has become a community icon due to her exposure in the Erie Times News with her ‘Senior Advocate’ article, her radio show the ‘Senior Times,’ and with the masses of seniors who have met with her throughout the years for assistance with applications, forms and in understanding the many needs related to seniors.

One particular area where Gert has eased the minds of many seniors was with the Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage). When this program was debuting in 2006, Gert spearheaded the enormous task of educating the community, her co-workers and other professionals about the changes. Gert impacted others by assisting them in the learning process, easing minds, simplifying the rhetoric and by assisting seniors to access much needed medication when consumers otherwise would have been turned away by their pharmacies.

Gert has witnessed the Community Action Promise being fulfilled not only through her program but through the other programs that GECAC offers as well. “I’ve seen peoples lives changed,” she states. “I’ve encouraged people to take adult lit classes no matter how old they are. The senior aides – I’m proud it is helping them. It gives them dignity. Head Start kids – I’m proud of the Head Start kids.”