Dr. Pardasani, an award-winning researcher and gerontologist, invited to speak at Michigan State Conference

Dr. Pardasani has been invited to address the Annual Conference of the Michigan Senior Centers Association. The theme of this years conference is: Michigan Senior Centers Working Together: Yours - Mine - and Ours. The conference is scheduled to take place in Kalamazoo, Michigan from November 3rd through the 5th. Those interested in attending can contact Ms. Kelly Arndt, Conference Chair, Michigan Association of Senior Centers at karndt@ci.east-lansing.mi.us

(PRWEB) June 25, 2004 -- The theme of this years conference is: Michigan Senior Centers Working Together: Yours - Mine - and Ours.

The conference is scheduled to take place in Kalamazoo, Michigan from November 3rd through the 5th. Those interested in attending can contact Ms. Kelly Arndt, Conference Chair, Michigan Association of Senior Centers at karndt@ci.east-lansing.mi.us

The focus of the conference is on collaborative projects, marketing and image - and how we all effect how senior centers are viewed, not only within our communities but collectively within the state, and a few nuts and bolts offerings. Dr. Pardasani will present the findings of a study of senior centers, clubs, nutrition sites and Area Agencies on Aging conducted in New York State. Factors that influence programming decisions, issues related to the growing diversity of the US elderly and the efforts of senior centers to reach out to the widest cross-section of seniors will be highlighted and discussed.

Dr. Pardasani started his career in human services as the coordinator of summer camping for seniors at the Berkshire Hills Emanuel Camps.    In 1993, he began managing senior programs at a community center in the Bronx. As a participant in and observer of the significant role of senior centers and community-based agencies in the lives of the elderly, his interest was kindled in gerontological social work. He received his Masters degree (MSW) in 1996 and a doctoral degree (PhD) in 2003, both from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work. Through his work, he became aware of the exponential growth and increasing heterogeneity of the elderly population and the need for addressing their diverse needs. Currently, he is working on designing Needs Assessment surveys to be used in urban and suburban neighborhoods to assess a community's need for services.

In addition, he has published articles related to senior centers, community practice, empowerment and HIV/AIDS in renowned, peer-reviewed Journals such as:
-Journal of Community Practice
-Activities, Adaptation and Aging
-Journal of Gerontological Social Work
-International Journal of Social Welfare
-Journal of HIV and Social Services

Those interested in learning more abour Dr. Pardasani's research can reach him at (914)715-8107 or email him at m_pardasani@hotmail.com