Community

Communities across Delaware are working each and every day to become more livable for residents of all ages.

Do you know AARP? What we do might surprise you!

As you know, catastrophic budget cuts to Delaware’s Grant in Aid were passed in last year’s State budget. Much of the funding that was once provided to Delaware’s senior centers, health clinics, and veteran’s programs was reduced, resulting in a loss of services to residents age 50 and over.

I recently had the opportunity to join the dynamic staff and volunteers at AARP for their annual Lobby Day at Legislative Hall in Dover. It was my first time in my new role as AARP Delaware State President. The person in this top volunteer role represents AARP to a variety of governmental, corporate and community partners in the state and helps drive the mission of AARP – to make life better for those over age 50, and their families.

AARP is now accepting applications for the 2018 Community Challenge grant program to fund “quick-action” projects that spark change in local communities. The grant program, which is now in its second year, is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which aims to make communities great places to live for everyone.

You and a guest are invited to a free screening of “Going in Style” Starring: Morgan Freeman, Michael Cane, and Alan Arkin.

AARP is making a difference in your community, and you can be part of it. At AARP, we fight fraud, help drivers stay safe, provide free tax help, and celebrate family caregivers. Join us for refreshments and hors d’oeuvres, and learn more about expanding your possibilities in life at any age.

AARP Delaware enjoys collaborating with the Colored Conventions Project, and there’s no better time celebrate its work than the month of February, Black History Month. The group, housed at University of Delaware, has been working to research what are known as the Colored Conventions, a series of state-wide and national meetings that began in 1830 and continued until the end of the 19 th century. Over seven decades, free, fugitive and freed African Americans came together to strategize about how to achieve educational, labor and legal justice during the gatherings, advocating for freedom in the North and South and from laws which denied African Americans basic legal and educational rights.

50 million served, 50 million more to go

Each day, thousands of Delawareans serve as caregivers for family members. These family caregivers often have full-time day jobs; they return home from work to provide evening care, or dash home at lunch to check in on loved ones. They provide trusted care to those they hold most dear—an emotionally challenging, but critical, role in our society.