Retirement offers the gift of time and Jeanne maximizes every second. She defends the rights of children and older adults, influences others to be civically engaged, and remembers that what matters most is a connection to people.

“My father used to bring people home, ‘this man is hungry, we need to feed him,’” recalls Ms. Jeanne Wease,” I think our parents help to shape who we are.” Jeanne is an active and inspiring older adult. She explains that retirement offers the gift of time, which allows one to make choices. Jeanne’s choice is to be an advocate for children and older adults. In addition to being very active in her church and personal life, she serves on a number of Boards and Committees using her expertise to benefit others. Some of them include The AAA Advisory Council, Executive Board of Meals on Wheels NWI, Lake County Retired Teachers Association, Campagna Academy Administrative Committee, AARP Executive Board, Lake Area United Way Allocations Review Team, Southlake Mental Health Center Board and the Child Abuse Prevention Council.

Jeanne began her career in 1958 as a High School Mathematics teacher later she became a Principal earning Principal of the Year in 1991 and Educator of the Year in 2004. Her passion for children and her desire to teach led Jeanne to a decade of service as a Court Appointed Advocate for abused and neglected children. “One of my passions is ensuring that children are protected and have the opportunity to grow to their potential. Each month we go to court, gather the cases, then visit the child in their home. I have been working with some children for years, others only a few weeks we’ve found that we are able to have the greatest amount of impact on the most children this way.”

Jeanne’s also a champion for other older adults, she is committed to helping seniors stay in their own homes for as long as possible. “If that means I deliver meals, then I deliver meals, if that means I need to set up meetings with legislators to educate them of the importance of Home and Community Based Services and Aging in Place, then I do that.” She says that when she delivers a meal and is remembered, thanked or even asked to do another small favor like take out the trash, she knows she is making a difference. “The connection to other people is what matters to me; my faith tells me to choose to help others in this world.”

Just like any good educator, Jeanne is always looking for ways to teach others. Her enthusiasm is contagious and she often challenges her peers, “don’t tell me you’re bored, I’ll take you with me and we’ll deliver meals for an afternoon or I’ll nominate you for a committee.” Jeanne explains that the best way to get other seniors involved is simply to let them see it, invite them to a meeting or ask them to attend a workshop or rally.

Vote for Ms. Jeanne Wease for the Unleash the Power of Aging Challenge. She embodies the active Older American using her experiences and knowledge to improve the lives of others!