You have an opportunity to tell the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) where to locate a Senior Wellness Center and how the space should be used. A couple of years ago, the Council funded a feasibility study examining potential for senior wellness centers in Wards 2 and 3—the two wards that lacked senior wellness centers. Earlier this year, the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) awarded a contract calling for the identification of three possible sites in each of the wards as well as priorities for the spaces.

Now is the time to provide input. The DACL is holding two town halls to get community input on location priorities, transportation preferences, and how the space should be used. Perhaps you want to advocate for a location close to Metro or that offers nearby parking. Can you visualize a coffee bar where NNV could host a coffee a couple of times a month? Or perhaps we could occasionally meet up for an afternoon yoga session and "happy hour." Should there be an art studio, gym, dance studio, therapeutic pool? Let your voice be heard!

The town halls will be:

‍In-person at Cleveland Park Library (3310 Connecticut Ave NW)
Tuesday, June 24,
4:30 - 6:30 pm
Email dacl.communications@dc.gov to register

‍Virtual
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
1 - 3 pm
‍Register here

NNV has played an important role in shaping this initiative. In fall 2021, Stephanie participated in a panel discussion about challenges facing seniors sponsored by the Ward 3 Democrats. Yours truly asked a question about whether we still needed a Senior Wellness Center given the launch of AroundTownDC which sponsored wellness activities at different locations. All the panelists—Stephanie, Sally White who had just retired as Iona's Executive Director, and Council Member Anita Bonds—were unequivocal in supporting the need for a physical wellness center. That marked the launch of an advocacy effort that won the support of all six Ward 3 ANCs and the DC Council.

In funding a feasibility study, the Council created a task force to oversee this study—and I am a member of that task force (along with Cleveland Woodley Park Village director Frank Finamore). As a member of the task force, I have witnessed a growing commitment to seeing a Senior Wellness Center in Ward 3. I believe there is growing recognition that social isolation threatens the well-being of an aging population and that threat can be met through a robust network that includes Villages, a Senior Wellness Center, and Iona Senior Services, a robust DACL "lead agency."

Hope to see you on June 24 or June 25!