BDT Director of Programs Elisa Zygmunt to receive community service award

Philadelphia, April 30, 2018** – Benefits Data Trust (BDT) is proud to announce that its Director of Programs, Elisa Zygmunt, has been selected to receive a 2018 Community Service Award from the Emergency Fund Coalition for Older Philadelphians. The award is presented annually to individuals who have provided quality service through work that positively impacts the lives of seniors in Philadelphia.

“Elisa has embraced growth within BDT, and consistently operates with our mission at the center of her work,” said Ginger Zielinskie, BDT’s President & CEO. “If anyone deserves to be recognized for her commitment to her organization, and to helping seniors and individuals in need access life-changing benefits and services, it is Elisa.”

Her work with seniors began in Pennsylvania in 2005 when BDT partnered with state agencies to outreach to and enroll low-income seniors in essential benefits and services such as nutrition and prescription assistance. In 2008, she was instrumental in launching BenePhilly, a joint partnership of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, and the City of Philadelphia’s Mayor’s Office, aimed at helping older Philadelphian’s gain access to five different state and federal benefit programs.

Over the past 10 years Elisa has aided in BenePhilly’s success and expansion, which now helps people of all ages enroll in more than 20 benefits. Since 2008, BDT has completed more than 90,000 benefit enrollments, securing more than $900 million in benefits, to help struggling families and seniors while also strengthening the local economy.

She will be formally recognized at the 29th Annual Emergency Fund Coalition Luncheon on Thursday, May 17, 2018. For information or to register for the luncheon, click here.

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About Benefits Data Trust

Benefits Data Trust (BDT) is a national nonprofit that helps people live healthier, more independent lives by creating smarter ways to access essential benefits and services. Each year, BDT helps tens of thousands of people receive critical supports using data, technology, targeted outreach, and policy change. Since inception in 2005, BDT has submitted over 800,000 applications – more than any other single entity in the country – securing over $7 billion in benefits and services. BDT employs more than 170 people and provides enrollment assistance to individuals in six states, and policy assistance to states nationwide. For more information, visit bdtrust.org.