Brenda Siler

“I have faith and I am happy,” says Bernice Bowman. Every morning her caretaker helps with her bath and meal preparation. Once a month through the District’s Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) they purchase basic food products like cheese, juices, cereal, canned vegetables, applesauce and other items. Bernice is willing to help others, too. “You never know who will come to you and need something to eat,” she says.

Mary says that “volunteer” is her middle name. “I’m a volunteer talk-show host and an advocate for a healthcare program in the District of Columbia and I’m a senior citizen.” She’s also retired and lives on a fixed income. When she was in her mid 60s she connected with a SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps) and it made a big difference in her life. Mary worked with a DC agency that helped her sign up for Social Security and qualify for SNAP.

The Washington Bar Association presents “Knowledge is Power,” a series of panel discussions on various legal topics that will be presented in all quadrants of Washington, DC. Co-sponsors of this series are the Greater Washington Area Chapter (GWAC), and Region XII of the National Bar Association.

There are several ways to tackle hunger in among the elderly in Washington, DC. Here is Murelda's story.

It was a beautiful day to give back to the Washington, DC region as AARP DC volunteers help to pack one million meals to feed the most vulnerable. Older people, veterans and first responders go hungry everyday and AARP Foundation's "A Celebration of Service" focused on those who are in need the most on the day of service and observance.

What is Experience Corps?

In the D.C. area, too many hardworking Americans 50 and older are struggling. Through no fault of their own, they’re struggling to hold on to their jobs, homes, food supply, social connections and basic legal rights. That’s why on this September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance, AARP Foundation is working with our supporters to spearhead A Celebration of Service on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

A sea of red and white t-shirts emblazoned with AARP District of Columbia and its “Real Possibilities” slogan, blanketed a free AARP-sponsored tennis clinic the annual Citi Open® Tennis Tournament held at Rock Creek Tennis Center. Volunteers prepared to greet tennis clinic participants, led by well-known tennis coach Wayne Bryan and featuring top-seeded tennis players. Citi Open, held from August 1-9, benefited the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation. AARP’s free tennis clinic for 31 lucky participants provided an opportunity to be coached on tips to better one’s tennis game.

How did you spend your Father’s Day? AARP DC’s commitment to Caribbean engagement and outreach, included participation in a Sunday service and social hour at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in northwest Washington D.C. For AARP DC, being involved on June 21 supported the Caribbean community as they celebrated Father’s Day and the church’s “Education Sunday.”

The AARP 25% discount code for Citi Open® is available until August 9th. Visit the AARP DC booth at Citi Open for a chance to win exciting prizes. Try for an opportunity to win an Apple® Watch by giving your opinions on making the District work for people ages. “Celebrating Our Heroes” day honors military personnel and veterans on August 8th. Come by and say, "Hello!"