LIHUE — AARP Hawaii recognized Kauai resident and attorney J. Michael Ratcliffe with the 2019 Andrus Award for Community Service, the organization’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.
AARP Hawaii selected Ratcliffe for his remarkable service, which has greatly benefited his community, supported AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers.
“(Ratcliffe) lives a life dedicated to public service, committing selfless actions to improve the wellbeing of the elderly of Kauai and all citizens, contributing to the invisible social fabric of our community that we call aloha,” wrote Cov Ratcliffe, J. Michael Ratcliffe’s son, who nominated him.
“Starting out at Legal Aid Kauai in 1981, he was inspired to do more for a group of citizens he saw that had been lacking quality assistance and representation.”
Ratcliffe is the president, founding partner and founder of the Seniors Law Program, a nonprofit corporation offering legal services to kupuna on Kauai. With his wife, he also founded the Kauai Elder Abuse Council and the J &B Ratcliffe Foundation. The foundation works on kupuna law, fraud and end-of-life issues.
The couple also produces the “Seniors’ Law Corner” television show on Ho‘ike Kauai Community Television.
He has also coached the champion Kauai mock trial team, American Youth Soccer Organization soccer teams, and serves on numerous nonprofit boards on the island.
The award was presented to Ratcliffe at a ceremony at AARP’s annual volunteer recognition lunch in Honolulu on Nov. 13.
“This award acts as a symbol to the public that we can all work together for positive social change,” said Keali‘i Lopez, AARP Hawaii state director. “AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions volunteers make to their communities, neighbors and the programs they serve.”
Recipients across the nation were chosen for their ability to enhance the lives of AARP members and prospective members, improve the community in or for which the work was performed, and inspire others to volunteer.
