Dear Seniors,
As we enter the autumn season, I am thrilled to share a significant achievement that underscores our agency’s unwavering dedication to the well-being of seniors like yourself here in the District. This bold move demonstrates our commitment to forging impactful partnerships and leaving a lasting imprint. The Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) has assumed the role of the lead agency for Ward 1.
Through our Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Lead Agency Grant initiative, I am proud to announce that this marks a historic moment – the first time in a decade that we have revamped our grant program and DACL’s debut as a lead agency for a ward. The Lead Agency grant program seamlessly aligns with our mission of providing comprehensive, person-centered services tailored to your unique needs as you age.
Our dedication to enhancing the lives of DC’s seniors is evident in this progressive approach. DACL’s Lead Agency grant program plays a pivotal role in ensuring you have access to essential social programs, nutrition services, and various forms of support. Through innovation and collaboration within our Senior Service Network, we deliver impactful community resources via a coordinated service delivery model that values personal choice and cultural awareness.
This journey is not one we will undertake alone. I am delighted to share news of our partnership with our longtime partner, East River Family Strengthening Collaborative, an organization that shares our values and commitment to improving seniors’ lives. Our collaborative efforts as the Ward 1 lead agency aim to elevate service excellence and innovation. Together, we strive to create a profound and enduring impact on the lives of older residents, adults with disabilities, and those who care for them.
After a thorough selection process involving community members and our dedicated staff, DACL proudly recognizes the recipients of the FY24 Lead Agency Grant program:
- Ward 1: East River Family Strengthening Collaborative – The mission of East River Family Strengthening Collaborative, Inc. (ERFSC) is to empower families, youth, seniors, and communities to become more self-sufficient through integrated and collaborative community-based services utilizing evidence-based practices that are family-focused and person-centered. DACL will be the lead agency for Ward 1 senior residents and will work in partnership with ERFSC. To learn more, visit erfsc.org.
- Ward 2 & 3: Iona Senior Services – Iona supports individuals navigating the challenges of aging by providing education, advocacy, and community-based services that promote well-being. For more information, visit iona.org.
- Ward 4: Genevieve N. Johnson Senior Day Care Program – Also known as GNJ, this program offers adult care with a focus on creating joyful moments and enhancing seniors’ lives. To learn more, visit gnjseniordaycare.com.
- Ward 5 & 6: Seabury Resources for Aging – Seabury offers programs and comprehensive support for DC’s older adults, addressing their essential needs and aiding families in making crucial decisions about their future. For more information, visit seaburyresources.org.
- Ward 7 & 8: East River Family Strengthening Collaborative – ERFSC empowers families, youth, seniors, and communities to become self-sufficient through integrated, community-based services. Learn more at erfsc.org.
These organizations showcase an extraordinary capacity to deliver high-quality senior services. Their dedication positions them as invaluable partners in advancing our mission of upholding independence, dignity, and choice among seniors across the District.
As the leaves change and the promise of a new season hangs in the air, join me in celebrating this new journey of optimism and a shared vision of making a meaningful difference in the lives of all of you who have paved the way for us.
In Service,
Charon P.W. Hines
Don’t Miss the Mayor’s 6th Annual National Maternal & Infant Health Summit!
Don’t miss this year’s summit on Tuesday, September 19, 2023! Join Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives (MOWPI) at the 6th National Maternal & Infant Health Summit! The 6th annual Mayor Muriel Bower’s Maternal & Infant Health Summit will feature panel discussions, community spaces, breakout sessions, and a virtual resource expo dedicated to connecting District residents with local and national resources and supports needed to families have what they need to thrive. To register, please visit maternalhealthdc.com.
