Dear Seniors,
Happy New Year! As we enter 2025, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for all that lies ahead. This year is particularly special as the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) celebrates 50 years of serving and supporting seniors across the District.
It’s a time to reflect on our journey, celebrate our progress, and honor the resilience and accomplishments of DC seniors every single day. This month also marks 10 years of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s leadership in the District. We are proud of the incredible impact her commitment has had on DC seniors.
Together, we’ve made remarkable strides to ensure DC remains the best place to age with dignity, safety, and independence.
- Safe at Home Program: Created and expanded to help seniors age safely at home. Providing over 6,000 seniors with necessary in-home adaptations.
- Connector Card Program: Providing affordable, accessible transportation for over 3,800 seniors to travel independently.
- Senior MedExpress: Offering free, non-emergency rides to health care appointments — over 60,000 rides annually since 2016.
- Senior Food Programs: Ensuring more than 13,000 seniors receive reliable, balanced nutrition year-round.
- Adult-Related Dementia Disorders (ADRD): Just last year, over 1,700 seniors benefitted from ADRD programming, positively impacting their daily lives.
At DACL, our daily mission is to support District seniors — helping you live boldly, stay connected, and thrive. We ended 2024 on a high note with Mayor Bowser’s 26th Annual Senior Holiday Celebration, where over 3,000 seniors came together to laugh, dance, and celebrate the season. What a joyous time it was!
As colder temperatures and potential snowfall approach, your safety remains our top priority. If you’re a homeowner aged 60 or older, you may be eligible for free snow removal assistance through Serve DC’s Volunteer Snow Program. This program pairs volunteers with senior residents to help clear snow after winter storms. To learn more or to sign up, call 202-727-7925 today.
I encourage you to prioritize your health, well-being and staying connected this winter. Stay active by participating in programs at one of our six senior wellness centers or join activities at your local Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) site. Staying social is just as important — explore everything DACL has to offer by visiting our website or downloading the DACL mobile app to stay updated on events and resources in your community. For more information, feel free to call us at 202-724-5626. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and connected 2025!
In Service,
Charon P.W. Hines