The Commonwealth Council on Aging is recognizing Salem’s F.R.E.E Foundation with a first place “best practices” award for their program … which provides thousands with refurbished medical equipment. Sonja Schaible is the Executive Director … she says the five thousand dollar award will be used to provide more Virginians with equipment. Shiable says the foundation’s mobility program is unique to Virginia. Around 1000 pieces of equipment were provided in 2013. Intern reporter Alexis Manley spoke with Schaible: