Volunteering

Retiring after 41 years as a research and development chemist at DuPont specializing in polymers, Gordon Cohen wanted to give back to the community.

Brenda McCalister Afflick, a retired project manager, found her passion in volunteering with AARP in Delaware County. Encouraged by a friend, Brenda now dedicates her time to community events, advocating for Medicare, Social Security, and access to benefits. Her enthusiasm is fueled by AARP’s mission to empower those 50+ with information, and she thrives under the leadership of Grace Rustia, assistant state director, who inspires creativity and commitment among volunteers.

AARP is now accepting nominations for its 2024 Pennsylvania Andrus Award for Community Service, which honors 50+ Pennsylvanians who are sharing their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their community members.

When AARP member Karla Koehl received an email regarding the start of a Lehigh Valley Speaker’s Bureau more than two years ago, she decided to check it out. After listening to the presentation by Kellie VonStein, Associate State Director of Community Outreach in Lehigh Valley, Karla was sold on the idea of volunteering and signed up for the Speaker’s Bureau.

Cassandra Robinson took care of her mother for 10 years before she passed away in 2018.

William “Rick” Collins was volunteering for a political candidate when he met AARP Pennsylvania’s Yocasta Lora, assistant state director representing Philadelphia, and several volunteers. Shortly after that meeting, Rick became an AARP volunteer.

AARP Pennsylvania volunteer Kacey French has always had an interest in elder care. As an architect, she developed a passion for creating homes with aging in place and universal design as the focus and led to her volunteering with AARP about five years ago. It also coincided with the start of the York County Village Association, a village specifically for adults 50+, where she serves as co-founder and president.

AARP Pennsylvania is seeking community volunteers in North and South Philadelphia to join us in making a meaningful impact. Whether your passion lies in community service, advocacy, or event planning, we have opportunities to suit your interests and schedule, with a special focus on initiatives that benefit these vibrant areas of Philadelphia.

Meet Kate Kleinert, an AARP Pennsylvania volunteer on the Consumer Issues Task Force and an AARP Fraud Watch Network Speaker, endured a devastating romance scam that cost her everything: her life savings, home, and beloved dogs. It all started with a simple Facebook friend request from 'Tony', a supposed surgeon in Iraq. Over months, their frequent conversations developed into a deep emotional bond. Trusting him, Kleinert sent Tony $39,000, her entire savings, lured by his repayment promises.

AARP Pennsylvania's new volunteer state president, Nora Dowd Eisenhower, 69, of Philadelphia, brings four decades of professional experience to the role. She says housing will be one of her top priorities.