Agency Details:

The Alliance for Arlington Senior Programs was established to help meet the needs of Arlington County’s growing senior population. AASP provides a unique opportunity for community members to be involved in planning and expanding programs for Arlington’s seniors to receive as well as volunteer services that will benefit others.

Description:
AASP was formed to help support, sustain and increase the programs and services offered to the county’s growing population of seniors.

In 2006, Arlington was home to approximately 20,000 adults age 65 and over. Demographic projections envision over 36,000 Arlington seniors by 2025. Currently Arlington’s Office of Senior Adult Programs (OSAP) manages programs that reach around 4,000 individuals.

In the current economic environment, Arlington County, like most local government entities, is challenged to do more with less. As a non-profit organization, AASP can apply for grants not available to government agencies, plan fundraisers, and accept tax exempt contributions.

In 2007, the Alliance received a grant from the Arlington Community Foundation to develop Transition Counseling workshops to assist seniors in making plans for “flourishing after 55.” So far, transition workshops have been held for more than 300 participants. The counselor is now conducting a series of programs to train volunteers as "peer advisors", who will work with individuals at senior centers who could benefit from 1:1 advisory sessions.

In June 2009, AASP welcomed Creative Community Connections (CCC) as one of its programs. The purpose of this initiative is to provide opportunities for mature Arlington residents, particularly those who are retired, to connect with fellow Arlingtonians and in cooperation with them participate in volunteer activities that will improve the quality of life in our community.

The Alliance is now exploring additional innovative programs that could benefit from its encouragement and support.

History:
In 2006, Arlington County was awarded a grant from the National Council on the Aging/National Institute of Senior Centers and the MetLife Foundation to increase civic engagement through senior centers. The "Wisdom Works" project, launched by OSAP, demonstrated how to use senior centers as "home base" for mobilizing senior volunteers and for building better mechanisms for seniors to connect with employment and volunteer activities, support services and opportunities to network. The Connections Café program at Walter Reed Community Center is one outcome of this program.

The success of Wisdom Works thus far has been very promising, and stimulated formation of the Alliance for Arlington Senior Programs in order to support, create and continue additional programs for Arlington's diverse and growing senior population.

AASP began operations in July 2007, receiving two grants from the Arlington Community Foundation as well as individual contributions to support its programs and services.

Contact person: Bill Bozman, Board Member, (703) 578-7456, (email)

Address:

3440 S. Jefferson Street, #614 Falls Church, VA 22041 (See a map)