Wellness advocate honored for passion to improve lives

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Meritrust honors wellness advocate for his passion to improve lives

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Because of his positive influence and evidence-based lifestyle change programs, Meritrust Credit Union has named Joseph Samaniego the recipient of the 2024 Byron G. Stout IV Spotlight on Wellness champion. 

Samaniego’s appreciation for the benefits of physical movement inspired his passion-turned-career. For nearly a decade, he has been involved in community wellness and development daily through his work with the Sedgwick County Department of Aging and Disability and Central Plains Area Agency on Aging.  

As the Diabetes Education and Wellness Coordinator for the agencies, Samaniego uses his passion for movement and activity to encourage physical health for adults ages 60 and above. His work has led to hundreds of programs to provide resources to help seniors improve food choices, build their strength and cardiovascular endurance, and encourage healthy posture and balance. These presentations are delivered through his agency and at local senior centers. He has also hosted and produced the podcast “Aging is Living” and created online exercise videos.  

“Joseph's programs have positively influenced quality of life for hundreds of participants by inspiring healthy habits and promoting physical activity,” says Meritrust President/CEO James Nastars. “We are proud to honor Byron’s passion for wellness by recognizing Joseph’s exceptional work and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those around him." 

It’s important to Samaniego to be true to the healthy living concepts he teaches. He prioritizes his own physical and mental health and coaches cheerleading and tumbling for young athletes, further influencing the overall health and wellness of the community.  

“I aim to set an example for all generations to embrace a healthy lifestyle and appreciate that I can share the benefits of movement with others in the community,” says Samaniego. “I get a great sense of purpose and gratitude from the opportunities I have to help individuals in their wellness journeys.”  

As a part of this award, Meritrust is making a $1,000 donation to Club Parkinson’s, a charity selected by Samaniego. Club Parkinson’s is an education center offering research-based programs to fill the gap that exists between a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and managing the disease for improved quality of life. 

This is the ninth year Meritrust has honored a wellness advocate in the community through the Spotlight on Wellness Award. Meritrust presents the award each year in memory of Byron G. Stout IV, a Meritrust vice president of human resources who passed away in 2015 and was passionate about wellness within the workplace and out in the community.