The President's Two Cents

Reverend Joseph K. Williams, Sr. has served as the volunteer AARP DC State President since 2014. With more than 20 years of experience in the Human Services field and Organizational Development, he currently works as the Chief Executive Officer of Emmaus Services for the Aging and Emmaus Rehabilitation, LLC. He is a native Washingtonian, who grew up east of the Anacostia River. Joe is a graduate of the DC Public School System and received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/Mass Media Arts from the University of the District of Columbia. In addition, he holds a Masters of Divinity degree from Howard University.

In your own words, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I bring the experience as a seasoned Executive to my positon as State President of AARP District of Columbia, and am known in the DMV as a leader in the senior community for providing safety-net services with an “Aging-In-Community” philosophy.  I am a committed community builder who is dedicated to providing advocacy for older adults living in the District of Columbia.  I’m known for being an integral leader of change in programmatic collaboration. Building synergies between community partners, public and private organizations is my claim to fame.

What have you learned in your role as AARP DC State President?

My work as the AARP DC State President has increased my awareness of the needs, challenges and policies impacting individuals who are 50 and older living in the District of Columbia.  I have harnessed relationships in both the Executive Branch and the Legislative Branches of the District of Columbia government to bridge the gap and meet the needs of older residents living in the District. My work is ongoing.

What are you hearing as you are out and about in the community?

There is a growing concern in the District of Columbia surrounding the needs of the 50+ population.  This includes the need for affordable and accessible housing, health care, transportation and food security.  Without Congressional representation, older adults are focused on the need of community building that is couched in an Age-Friendly framework and system that provides the opportunity to Age-in-Community.  The AARP District of Columbia State Office staff, volunteers and Executive Council members are working diligently to insure that our membership – and all DC residents age 50 and older - are not only given a voice, but a microphone to be heard loud and clear.

Get in touch with Joe!

Joe wants to hear from you about the issues that matter to you and your family, and what’s happening in your neighborhood!

• Tweet him at @RevPrez_DC
• Send him an email at DCAARP@aarp.org

This is the first in a quarterly series of blog posts with AARP DC’s State President. If you have a suggestion of a topic for Joe in the December e-newsletter, please let him know!