Dear Seniors,
Happy New Year!
As we welcome a new year and a fresh start, there is so much to look forward to. A new year invites renewed purpose, sharper focus, and exciting opportunities, and at the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL), our commitment remains steadfast. We are dedicated to ensuring that every senior can live boldly and age comfortably in place, in every ward across the District.
As we step into a new year, it is worth pausing to reflect on all that we accomplished together in the last year, and to look ahead with optimism and purpose. This past year was marked by programmatic growth, expanded services, and meaningful progress toward making Washington, DC, the best place to age. One of our signature programs, Safe at Home, has helped make nearly 7,500 homes safer over the past decade. Thanks to budget enhancements in the current fiscal year, an additional 45 households will now receive this vital support. We also strengthened community connections by opening new dining sites across the District, and celebrating affordable senior housing developments through ribbon cuttings, ensuring residents can remain in the neighborhoods and communities they know and love.
Nutrition continues to be a top priority for DACL and for District seniors. Last year, our advocacy efforts led to the expansion of home-delivered meal services, reaching an additional 150 seniors with nutritious meals brought directly to their doorsteps. With more than 40 dining sites already operating citywide, we were proud to further expand access in Ward 7.
Two new dining sites, co-located with DC Villages, are now open in Ward 7:
Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church
3000 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20020
Zion Baptist Church in Eastland Gardens
1234 Kenilworth Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20019
Staying active and connected can become more challenging with age, which is why creating opportunities to combat social isolation remains so important. Just last month, more than 2,000 seniors gathered for Mayor Muriel Bowser’s 27th Annual Senior Holiday Celebration. Sharing laughter, music, dancing, and a delicious meal with DC’s oldest residents was truly heartwarming, and I hope this amazing event brought you as much joy as it brought me.
Life can present challenges at any age, whether it is rising costs, mobility concerns, or navigating new resources and technology. Please know that DACL is here to support you every step of the way, no matter what the need.
Our work is strengthened by the partnerships we share with DACL’s lead agencies, District Government agencies, community organizations, and our senior service network. Together, these partnerships allow us to stay connected with you, advocate on your behalf, and ensure you have access to the resources you deserve. If you are ever in need of support in your ward, I encourage you to reach out to your Lead Agency to begin the conversation.
Ward 1, Ward 7, & Ward 8
East River Family Strengthening Collaborative
Phone: (202) 397-7330
Website: www.erfsc.org
Ward 2, Ward 3, & Ward 4
IONA Senior Services
Phone: (202) 895-9448
Website: www.iona.org
Ward 5 & Ward 6
Seabury Resources for Aging
Phone: (202) 289-5690
Website: www.seaburyresources.org
Staying connected is essential. Please let us know how we can support you and consider participating in winter programming at one of our six senior wellness centers or seasonal activities at your local Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) site. For more information, contact DACL at 202-724-5626.
We want to ensure you are living your very best life every single day! Thank you for an incredible 2025. I look forward to an even brighter, healthier, and more fulfilling 2026 with DC seniors.
In Service,
Charon P.W. Hines
Director, Department of Aging and Community Living
