06/09/2025
Adrienne Wellendorf Honored with Inaugural Leona Bergstrom Elder Service Provider of the Year Award
Bellingham, WA – Elder Service Providers (ESP) is proud to announce that Adrienne Wellendorf, Clinical Liaison with Eden Health, has been named the first-ever recipient of the Leona Bergstrom Elder Service Provider of the Year Award. This prestigious honor celebrates Adrienne’s exceptional dedication to improving elder care and her unwavering commitment to the senior community.
ESP, a nonprofit organization based in Bellingham, has been at the forefront of supporting professionals who serve older adults. Through networking, education, and advocacy, ESP fosters collaboration among caregivers, service providers, and community members, ensuring that seniors receive compassionate and comprehensive care.
As a Clinical Liaison, Adrienne has consistently demonstrated outstanding compassion, innovation, and leadership in her field. Her collaborative approach and tireless advocacy have significantly improved the quality of life for seniors, setting a gold standard in elder services.
The award is named in honor of Leona Bergstrom, the founder of Elder Service Providers and a true visionary leader in the elder care community. Leona has served elders and their families for most of her professional career. She has worked in a variety of settings and positions, including for over a decade in Whatcom County. Leona managed the Geriatric Day Treatment program at Whatcom Counseling and Psychiatric Clinic, later she served as manager of the St. Joseph Adult Day Health Program, and eventually as Director of Senior Health at St. Joseph Hospital/Peace Health. With a career dedicated to advancing services for seniors, Leona played a pivotal role in shaping ESP and its mission. Her legacy continues through this award, which recognizes individuals who embody excellence and commitment in serving older adults. Adrienne’s remarkable contributions reflect the values and vision that Leona championed, making her a truly deserving recipient.
ESP celebrated Adrienne’s achievements at the Annual ESP Gala on January 25, 2025, where colleagues, community members, and leaders in elder care gathered to honor her contributions. The annual Gala serves as a fundraiser for caregiver scholarships, enabling caregivers to attend ESP’s Annual Caregiver Conference on April 25, 2025, at the Holiday Inn in Bellingham. Funds raised also support respite care and in-home caregiving services during the conference, ensuring that caregivers can participate without concerns about their loved ones' well-being.
For more information about the award, Elder Service Providers, or Eden Health, please contact Jan Higman, Right at Home Northwest, jan@rahnorthwest.com.
Pictured L – R, Leona Bergstrom – Founder ESP, Adrienne Wellendorf – PTA/Clinical Liaison, Eden Health, Jan Higman – Supervisor of Direct Care Services for Right at Home Northwest and ESP President