Volunteer Recognized with Top Community Service Award

After Delores “Dee” Powers retired in 2006 from a 38-year career with the Federal Aviation Administration, she joined a local senior center—participating in exercise, art, language and other classes.

Before long, she asked how she could pitch in—and she’s been volunteering at the Model Cities Senior Wellness Center ever since.

“I’m here Monday through Friday from 9 to 5,” says Powers. “I just really love being here in the presence of my peers.”

In April, AARP District of Columbia recognized Powers’ work with the 2024 Andrus Award for Community Service, the organization’s most prestigious state volunteer honor.

Powers, who lives in Riggs Park, says she grew up seeing her parents help their neighbors and friends. She began volunteering as a candy striper for Washington Hospital Center when she was 14. Her motto today? “Don’t stay home and be isolated.”

When Powers isn’t volunteering, she loves to line dance or groove to ’60s music and spend time with her siblings, children and grandchildren.

But every weekday, after dropping her great-grandson at school, Powers heads to the center, where she does everything from taking program attendance, to leading groups on outings, to serving lunch. She even drives members who need rides to and from the center, which currently serves about 585 city residents age 60 and older.

Program Director Stacie Mack calls Powers “a rocket booster for engagement” and the “community-building glue” who is kindhearted, patient and a go-getter. “She’s just an amazing person, someone that you would want as your friend.”

Says Powers: “If I can just make somebody happy today, then I’m happy.... I’ve done some good for the day.”

—Michelle Cerulli McAdams