By G. Christopher Wright, Esq. & Ann Henry, Senior Services of Alexandria Board of Directors
Alexandria, VA – For more than 56 years, Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA) has worked to foster the independence and self-sufficiency of seniors in our community, enabling them to age with dignity. SSA is the only non-profit in the City of Alexandria that offers comprehensive services to all seniors.
As we develop our strategic plan for the next five years, we want to hear from the community on how we are doing and what could we do better. Your suggestions and input help ensure that we remain the region’s premiere non-profit advocate for seniors.
Senior Services’ programs focus on four areas of critical need:
Senior Nutrition Programs
Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver 365 days a year to seniors who are homebound or have limited mobility- more than 50,000 meals annually.
To prevent hospital readmissions and to stabilize those living with chronic medical conditions, Caring Connection offers safety and wellness checks by staff along with daily meal delivery.
In partnership with Giant, Safeway, and Harris Teeter, Groceries to Go pairs volunteers for grocery delivery to seniors who are homebound or have limited mobility.
Companion Programs
Friendly Visitor Program pairs volunteers with socially isolated seniors with similar interest and life experiences.
AniMeals on Wheels volunteers deliver a monthly pet food supply for cats, dogs, and birds to low-income seniors in partnership with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
DOT Para Transit Program
The DOT Para Transit Program arranges low-cost transportation for Alexandrians living with a disability.
Information Programs
Senior Ambassador Program volunteer leaders from across Alexandria serve as liaisons throughout the community, delivering valuable senior resources information.
SSA also offers a monthly Speaker Series through its in-person Senior Living in Alexandria presentations, including Senior Law Day and the Senior Academy. The weekly SSA Connection includes uplifting information, such as TED Talks, exercise, recipes, and links to local events, and 26 community centers have Senior Information Corners stocked monthly with information important to seniors.
The Silver Service Card offers discounts for Alexandria’s seniors at over 40 local businesses.
SSA also connects regularly with the Spanish and Amharic-speaking older adult community. With a grant from the City, we have hired staff members who speak both languages fluently and are dedicated to serving these seniors’ needs.
We believe community input matters as we plan for the future – Please consider adding your thoughts in a quick online survey: surveymonkey.com/r/SSASurvey2024
We look forward to and need your feedback.
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