[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 187 (Monday, October 25, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1142]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING KAY VANAGS AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 25, 2021

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kay Vanags as Iowan 
of the week. Kay has provided valuable services to constituents in 
Iowa's 3rd Congressional District for over 20 years through her work as 
LifeLong Links Director at Aging Resources of Central Iowa. The 
organization provides services to individuals in Dallas, Madison, 
Warren, and Polk counties in our district, as well as Boone, Story, 
Jasper, and Marion counties in Iowa. Kay's work has had a widespread 
impact on Iowa's senior community and their family caretakers.
  Kay has a background in teaching, but she was led to a career in 
social service following her experience as a caretaker for in-laws who 
had memory and physical issues requiring attentive care. Her experience 
motivated her to advocate for family caregivers and the elderly who are 
experiencing similar situations.
  Kay's service to family caregivers ensures that they have the 
information and resources they need to properly care for their loved 
ones. She advises and connects folks with housing, transportation, and 
health insurance issues--which are often difficult areas for people to 
navigate on their own without the institutional knowledge Kay can 
share. Kay also provides counseling, as the change in roles and 
relationships between a caregiver and their loved ones often provides a 
unique challenge for families to navigate. Based on her own experience 
as well as additional training, Kay also provides education to 
caregivers about care strategies--particularly to those caregivers who 
have loved ones with memory issues--and those who struggle with the 
stresses of work/life balance.
  Kay enjoys advocating for folks as they navigate some of the most 
difficult and personal situations and having the opportunity to share 
information and guidance for those in need. Aging Resources of Central 
Iowa receives approximately 1,000 calls per month, and about half of 
those are from family caregivers. Kay continues to engage with 
community health provider groups, which build relationships and 
important partnerships that benefit the entire community. Particularly 
throughout the COVID pandemic, as calls increased, Kay and her team 
successfully shifted their operations so they could continue to provide 
direct assistance to those in need. It is important to highlight Kay 
and the team at Aging Resources of Central Iowa for their continued 
service to our district and the people of Iowa.
  I am proud to honor Kay Vanags as Iowan of the Week.

                          ____________________