Bethany Beach Resident Christine Powers Recognized for her Dedication and Commitment to Community Service with its Most Prestigious Volunteer Award

Christine Powers has been selected by AARP Delaware to receive the 2023 Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award.

AARP Delaware selected Ms. Powers for her remarkable service, which has greatly benefited her community, reflected AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers.

Ms. Powers is the Vice-Chair of South Coastal Village Volunteers (SCVV) in Bethany Beach, DE. South Coastal Village Volunteers helps Delawareans live independently in their own homes, giving them more choices as to how they live as they age. It is a branch of Village Volunteers, a 501(c)3 serving the Lewes area. These volunteers assist members with services such as transportation to medical appointments, home visits, phone check-ins, errands and technology support.

Her nominator described her as “the heart and soul of SCVV.”

AARP Delaware will present the award to Christine Powers during a free Broadway Recital on Nov. 29 at the Grand Opera House in Wilmington.

“This award acts as a symbol to the public that we can all work together for positive social change,” says George Meldrum, AARP Delaware State President. “AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions volunteers make to their communities, neighbors, and the programs they serve.”

Christine Powers was one of the founders of SCVV in 2019. She and her colleagues developed the organizations’ structure, budget, policies and priorities. During the COVID pandemic, she navigated the restrictions and ensured the organization remained active. Today, with Christine’s leadership, SCVV’s 133 volunteers offer a full range of services to 90 members.

Members of SCVV pay a small annual fee and are entitled to 25 hours of service per month. Subsidized memberships are offered for low-income members. Through Christine’s work, the quality of life of its members has been greatly enhanced. They are in keeping with AARP’s vision of giving people more choices as to how they want to live as they age.

Christine is recognized for maintaining communication channels with members and their caregivers. She eases concerns of loved ones who are not close by and assures them that someone is in contact with those needing care. SCVV has even added in-person events and creative offerings recently for members. This helps keep them socially engaged and live successfully in their communities for as long as possible.

Christine Power’s hard work and motivation makes life better for her Sussex County neighbors. This makes her the perfect awardee for AARP Delaware’s 2023 Andrus Award.

Recipients across the nation were chosen for their ability to enhance the lives of AARP members and prospective members, improve the community in or for which the work was performed, and inspire others to volunteer.