NEW YORK - Mutual of America Life Insurance Co. has named the Giving Back Fall Prevention Project a merit finalist in its 2009 Mutual of America Community Partnership Award program.

Giving Back is a nonprofit founded by Karen Peterson in Paia in 2002. The fall prevention project received the award for recruiting and training active seniors to mentor frail, at-risk elders in movement exercises that enhance balance, vision, coordination and cognitive functions.

"Our society worships youth and discards the elderly. I'd like to see that change," says Peterson. "This program is about honoring our elders, keeping them healthy and fit so they can give back their gifts to the community."

Now in its 14th year, the Mutual of America Community Partnership Award has recognized 140 partnerships from cities and towns across America - expanding public awareness of their work, and helping them attract additional partners and new sponsors.

This year the national winner was Barbara McInnis House: Medical Respite Care Program in Boston.