AARP MS Selects 2025 Andrus Award for Community Service Award Winner

(Jackson, MS) – Karen Payne Fountain has been selected by AARP, the nonprofit organization for people 50 and older, to receive the 2025 AARP Mississippi Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.

AARP Mississippi selected Fountain for her remarkable service, which has greatly benefited the community, reflected AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers.

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

A lifelong resident and proud daughter of Moss Point, Fountain is more than a volunteer and educator - she is a testament to the power of service. In her community, she volunteers as the Moss Point Main Street Vendor Coordinator and serves as a City of Moss Point Recreation Volunteer. As a Lead State Volunteer with AARP Mississippi, she organizes, facilitates, and leads numerous events designed to empower, educate, and uplift older adults throughout the state.

“Whether it’s a brain health seminar, fraud prevention workshop, or caregiving resource fair, Karen’s handprint is evident in the planning, coordination, and heartfelt delivery of each event,” said her nominator.

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.

 ABOUT AARP

 AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest-circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.