Press release: City of Good Neighbors Joins Global Effort to Recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Written By KRISTIE EDWARDS

CONTACT:

Kristie Edwards, Director of Donor Development & External Relations

Center for Elder Law & Justice

kedwards@elderjusticeny.org, 716.853.3087 x 239

City of Good Neighbors Joins Global Effort to Recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Buffalo Unites by Building Support for Seniors and Preventing Elder Abuse

Buffalo, NY, June 5, 2025 – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is observed annually on June 15 to raise awareness about the mistreatment and abuse of older adults, a growing issue across the globe. Established by The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) in 2006, it became officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011. The goal of WEAAD is to unite communities worldwide in raising awareness about the abuse and neglect of older people. It aims to promote a deeper understanding of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic factors—especially those related to aging—that contribute to elder abuse and neglect.

 

On Monday, June 16, 2025 at 11 am community leaders and advocates will gather outside 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY for the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day press conference. Rain location is inside the Rath Building at the 12th floor Media Room. This event is a countywide effort organized by Erie County Department of Senior Services. Guest speakers include:

·        Randy Hoak, Erie County Commissioner of Senior Services

·        Michael Keane, Erie County District Attorney

·        Karen Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer, Center for Elder Law & Justice

·        Mark Poloncarz, Erie County Executive

·        Karen Rybicki, Erie County Commissioner of Social Services

 

The event is free and open to the public and includes the presentation of the Community Exemplary Service Award by the Council on Elder Abuse. This award honors a local organization in recognition of their outstanding work in the prevention of elder abuse. The Council on Elder Abuse is a group of service providers dedicated to keeping older adults both physically and financially safe.

Attendees are encouraged to wear purple, the official color of elder abuse awareness, to show their support. Local buildings and landmarks will also be illuminated purple to raise awareness and support for the cause.

Elder abuse affects an estimated 1 in 10 older adults each year, with only 1 in 24 cases reported to authorities. Often underreported due to fear, shame, or lack of awareness elder abuse leads to increased risk of hospitalization, depression, and death. Events such as this aim to empower the community with knowledge and resources to identify and prevent abuse in all its forms — physical, emotional, financial, and neglect.

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a time to break the silence and commit to change. Elder abuse is a societal failing, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every older adult is treated with the respect and care they deserve.” said Karen Nicolson, Chief Executive Office of Center for Elder Law and Justice, a local nonprofit whose mission is to improve the quality of life for older, disabled, and low-income adults through free legal services. “Everyone has a role in preventing elder abuse. This starts with awareness, compassion and vigilance. At Center for Elder Law & Justice we are committed using the legal system to ensure that our clients live independently and with dignity.”

 

About Center for Elder Law & Justice

At the Center for Elder Law & Justice, we advocate for justice at all stages of life, empowering our clients to live independently and with dignity. Since 1978, our dedicated team of attorneys, paralegals, and social workers has provided free, comprehensive legal services to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and financially eligible residents of Western New York.

 

Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, we operate satellite offices in Niagara and Chautauqua counties and maintain strong medical-legal partnerships at Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo General Medical Center, and John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital. Together, we work to break the cycle of poverty, protect vulnerable populations, and promote justice for all. To learn more, visit www.elderjusticeny.org.  

KRISTIE EDWARDS

With nearly two decades of experience in nonprofit and community service management, Kristie Edwards is a passionate and results-driven professional dedicated to creating meaningful impact and connection. She currently serves as the Director of Donor Development & External Engagement, where she leads community relations and stakeholder engagement.

Kristie holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and has spent much of her career advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities, building sustainable programs, and strengthening community partnerships. Her expertise spans strategic planning, program development, team leadership, and large-scale operations management.

Beyond the office, Kristie is a certified yoga teacher who believes deeply in holistic wellness and balance. She is married to a local small business owner, and together they raise two energetic daughters who keep them busy with their love of lacrosse. Kristie is a devoted plant enthusiast and a lifelong Buffalonian. She shares her home with her rescue dog who’s convinced they are the queen of the household—and frankly, she’s not entirely sure they’re wrong.

Whether she's cultivating relationships or leading a yoga class, Kristie brings heart, purpose, and a people-first mindset to everything she does.

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