NEWS RELEASE
BB&T of Knox County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact John Pace, 766-8627
Senior anti-crime program recognizes BB&T and Little Creek Sanitarium for work to make seniors safer
Pictured (l-r): Tom Fehrmann, Foundation Finance Director; Ann Goodge,
Administrator; Josh Marsh, BB&T Commercial Lending Officer; John Pace, BB&T
Knoxville Area Executive
(June 12, 2006) -- A foundation to cut crime against the elderly is
recognizing BB&T and Little Creek Sanitarium for their joint work to make
seniors safer from crime.
A project of the Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation, the Senior
Crimestoppers Program is in use at Little Creek Sanitarium, thanks in part
to support from BB&T.
An announcement of the recognition will be made Tuesday by officials of
SHCPF, BB&T and the sanitarium.
“Working with Little Creek and the Senior Crimestoppers Program is an
honor,” said John Pace, BB&T senior vice president and Knox County area
executive. “We participate as part of the Bankers Association, through which
BB&T makes a low interest rate loan to the foundation, which invests those
funds at a higher rate. The earnings from that investment are put into
security measures for the elderly.”
Banks receive Community Reinvestment Act credit for participation with the
SHCPF.
The Senior Crimestoppers Program operates in more than 5,000 nursing homes,
assisted living facilities, retirement communities and HUD housing locations
in 48 states. According to the National Center on Elderly Abuse Web site,
there are some 17,000 nursing homes in America.
Security education, personal lock boxes, and an anonymous tips line call
center operating around the clock are part of the Senior Crimestoppers
Program, as are cash rewards up to $1,000 (presented anonymously) when
facility managers cite the problem as being resolved. Arrests and
convictions are not necessary for rewards to be paid.
The Senior Crimestoppers Program operates much like a Neighborhood Watch.
“We have a safe and secure operation at Little Creek,” said Ann Goodge,
administrator of Little Creek Sanitarium. “At the same time, we will do
whatever we can, in any way, to ensure the absolute protection of every
patient in our care.”
END