The Village Approach: How AHA Is Redefining Aging in Place in Alexandria

Alexandria, VA — In Alexandria, Virginia, a quiet but powerful movement is redefining what it means to grow older. At Home in Alexandria—known as AHA—is helping older adults remain in the homes they love while staying connected, engaged, and supported by their community.

Founded by the late Richard Moose, Ernie Lehmann, and the late Dr. Judith Jones, AHA began taking shape in 2008 and was incorporated in 2009. By 2011, it had joined the growing national Village Movement, a grassroots network designed to help older adults “age in place” through volunteer support, social engagement, and practical services.

Today, AHA serves about 200 members with the help of roughly 100 active volunteers and a small staff of three. Under the leadership of Executive Director Jamie Ciesla, the organization is expanding its reach, with plans to bring services to Alexandria’s West End and achieve full city coverage.

“Our goal is simple but profound,” Ciesla says. “We want people to live safely and comfortably in the homes and neighborhoods they love, for as long as possible.”

That goal is increasingly important as the population ages. Across Virginia, the Village model is gaining traction through the Virginia Villages Collective (VVC), a network of 17 community-based villages. With support from the Virginia General Assembly, which allocated $400,000 last year for a three-year initiative called Aging Well with Virginia Villages, the collective is helping organizations like AHA expand their impact. AHA received a $7,100 grant to support its West End expansion.

At its core, AHA offers a simple but powerful idea: neighbors helping neighbors. Members can choose between associate memberships, which focus on social connection and engagement, and full memberships, which include services such as transportation, help with errands, minor home assistance, friendly visits, and technology support.

Transportation is the most requested service—often the difference between independence and isolation.

Equally important is the sense of belonging AHA fosters. Member Barbara “Babs” Waters describes it as “a way to connect older adults who refuse to be defined by their biological age through low-stress events that nourish the mind, energize the body, and inspire meaningful connection.”

For volunteer Marlene Dakita, that connection is deeply personal. After joining AHA in early 2025, she began by driving members to appointments. Later, she was also paired as a “walking partner” with Joan, who lives in her building.

“For months, I focused just on her,” Dakita says. “Now I’ve been paired with an additional member in my building.”

Dakita values the flexibility of volunteering. “There are no weekly commitments. I help when I can,” she says, noting her hours have ranged from just a few per month to more than 20. “My strongest reason for volunteering is to help seniors stay in their homes by offering connections beyond their front door.”

That flexibility—and the relationships it fosters—are at the heart of AHA’s success. Volunteers are often members themselves, creating a reciprocal system of care that strengthens community ties.

AHA also works closely with local organizations, healthcare providers, and city agencies to ensure members have access to a broad network of support. These partnerships allow the organization to respond to changing needs, from wellness programs to emergency preparedness.

With its ongoing expansion, AHA is reaching out to more community members to share its mission. Residents of Alexandria are invited to an Open House luncheon at Del Ray Cafe on April 22, where they can explore volunteer and membership opportunities. This gathering also serves as a collaborative kick-off with Del Ray Cafe for Spring2ACTion, uniting the community in support of the organization’s vital efforts.

Bob Eiffert, an AHA member and “village” advocate, adds, “As lawmakers continue to debate future funding for village programs across Virginia, organizations like AHA are already demonstrating what’s possible when communities come together.”

In a world where aging is often framed as a challenge, AHA offers a different vision—one rooted in dignity, connection, and purpose. For its members, it’s not just about staying at home. It’s about truly belonging there.

To discover more about the services and volunteer roles available through AHA, or to join them at the luncheon on April 22 at Del Ray Cafe, please visit https://athomeinalexandria.org.