AARP Extends Service to Western North Carolina -- Hires Rebecca Chaplin to Serve the Mountain Region of the State

ASHEVILLE -- Reflecting the increasing number of older adults in North Carolina, the 1.1 million-member state affiliate of AARP is also growing and is extending its service to communities in Western North Carolina. AARP has hired Rebecca Chaplin as its new Community Outreach Associate State Director to serve the mountain region of the state.

With the addition of Chaplin, AARP now has strong community presence all across North Carolina with full-time staff in the Triangle, the Triad, Charlotte and the Coast. AARP State Director Doug Dickerson explains, “We want to be closer to our members in order to provide the strongest state and local advocacy, information, and programs that help those ages 50 plus to reach their real possibilities. Rebecca Chaplin’s deep community connections and vast experience working with older adults will be a great benefit to those looking to AARP to help them reach their health, financial and personal fulfillment goals.”

Chaplin has dedicated her professional career to aging and adult services. Prior to AARP, she worked at the Area Agency on Aging Land of Sky Region and as a consultant in Gerontology and project management throughout the state.

Chaplin will be bringing AARP information, programs, special events and workshops to the region. AARP has been helping family caregivers find support, providing tools and education to those who are trying to save for more retirement, and partnering with business leaders and experts to help people find jobs or start new businesses. AARP has also been providing meaningful volunteer opportunities to those wanting to help create the good in the communities where they live.

This year, Chaplin will be focusing on connecting with members, cultivating volunteerism, a great deal of time on the future of Social Security through AARP’s voter education campaign “Take a Stand.” Chaplin will play a large role in making sure that those running for President and Congress share their plans to keep Social Security’s benefits adequate and the program strong for future generations.