Dear Seniors,
A new season is here! As we transition from winter’s chilly embrace and blossom into the gentle warmth of spring, I hope this newsletter finds you in good spirits and health. The days are becoming longer, the sun is shining brighter, and new flowers are budding each day. Just as the seasons shift, so do our everyday lives. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “spring” as a sudden movement or to move upward or forward. It is our time to move forward and embrace new things in our lives, for each season brings its own unique charm and blessings!
As we enter the second quarter of 2024, discussions are already underway regarding the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025 for District seniors. At the end of February, DACL had the honor of partnering with Mayor Bowser for the FY25 Senior Budget Engagement Tele-Townhall. Seniors congregated at Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center in Ward 8 and various watch parties across the city, eager to hear directly from Mayor Bowser about how District funds are allocated and their impact on the aging community.
This invaluable event provided seniors with a platform to voice their perspectives on the city’s achievements and their current priorities, needs, and concerns for the forthcoming fiscal year. Following the Tele-Townhall, I prioritized meeting with seniors who could not attend, recognizing the significance of your insights and feedback as we strive to enhance the aging experience in the District! The suggestions and changes proposed during these discussions are instrumental in our efforts to make our city the best place to live and age.
Change can be daunting, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. The continued evolution of Washington, DC is a testament to our community’s commitment to supporting one another and making the District better. Let us embark on this journey of change together with optimism in our hearts and a “spring” in our steps. Remember, with every change comes new opportunities, new experiences, and new joys to be discovered.
Wishing you all a season filled with warmth, wellness, and wonderful new beginnings.
Warm regards,
Charon PW Hines
Director, Department of Aging and Community Living