Our Stories

Director of Senior Services honored with national award

June 28, 2022

Director of Senior Services Elizabeth Bernat has been honored with a national award for her long-standing and exemplary service to the senior center field.

Bernat won the National Council on Aging’s National Institute of Senior Centers Founders Award.

“It was an honor to be recognized by my peers and colleagues around the country,” Bernat said.

Bernat has worked for the Lowcountry Senior Center for 20 years, serving as the director for the past 15 years. In 2019, she also oversaw the development and opening of the Waring Senior Center on the campus of Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital.

She also has served in various roles for the National Institute of Senior Centers in various roles throughout the years, including chair for two years, member of the Executive Committee for seven years, chair of the Improving Health Team, and an accreditation peer reviewer.

Going forward, Bernat is focused on continuing fundraising efforts for an outdoor project for the Lowcountry Senior Center. Both Senior Centers were hit hard by COVID-19, and her goal is to continue to offer more creative programs and services that tie back to the hospital system, she said.

Local residents, including teammates, can join either Senior Center starting at age 50 with an annual membership of $105 at the Lowcountry Senior Center and $125 annually for the Waring Senior Center. The centers offer a variety of classes and programs.