AARP Kansas Recognizes Kansas City Woman's Community Service Work with Andrus Award

Carolyn Wyatt, Kansas City, has been selected to receive the 2022 AARP Kansas Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.


AARP Kansas selected Wyatt for her remarkable service, which has greatly benefited her community, reflected AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers. Wyatt exemplifies the meaning of community volunteer by recognizing the needs in her community and bringing them to the forefront with her ideas, thoughtful solutions and actions that bring the community together to complete projects.

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

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.

Wyatt led a successful campaign to preserve the local recreation center by attending neighborhood meetings and encouraging use of the center by local organizations, families, schools and a senior residence complex. She was able to get the center reopened and re-stimulated its community service opportunities with programs that appeal to all ages.

When the city’s only public swimming pool was re-opened, Wyatt facilitated a successful sign-up campaign for lifeguards in response to the lack of applicants.

When a city-owned neighborhood children’s playground and park fell into disrepair, Wyatt worked to secure a grant for new playground equipment and surfaces and recruited community volunteers who came together to assemble it.

In addition, Wyatt makes sure residents, especially older residents who may feel isolated, know what is happening in their community. Through Facebook and email, she shares city announcements and resources, new services that are being offered, the opening of new businesses, who is being honored, family events, and opportunities to socialize, stay connected and form positive relationships. She promotes a sense of inclusion in the community as stakeholders.

As the winner of the Andrus Award, Wyatt has selected Community Boxing and Fitness Center, Inc., in Kansas City to receive a $2,500 donation from AARP.

AARP Kansas also recognizes and thanks the other outstanding nominees for the 2022 Kansas Andrus Award: Nancy Anderson, Valley Center; Janine Colter, Lawrence; Wayne Davis, Tecumseh; Robert Goss, Leavenworth; John and Kathy Kramer, Wichita; Charles Maack, Wichita; Marylyn and Tom Owens, Kansas City; Ellen Paulsen, Lawrence; Cindy White, Topeka; and Cindy and Nick Yde, Wichita.