Senior Advisory Coalition
About Us
The DC Senior Advisory Coalition (SAC) was founded in 2009 by 12 agency leaders and advocates concerned about the need to improve and expand services for DC’s steadily expanding older population.
Today, the Senior Advisory Coalition has grown to include participants from numerous service providers, senior membership groups and individual seniors to work towards our mission: To be one voice — collaborative, unifying, and innovative — advocating to improve the quality of life for and with DC’s seniors. Members and participants come from a wide array of service, research, advocacy, and planning organizations whose constituencies include well over one-half of the 100,000 DC citizens over 60 years.
Together, the group examines the District’s budget and the impact it has on the services provided to older adults, particularly those of lower income. Members meet with city and agency leaders, as well as testify during oversight and budget hearings, to advocate for funding for vital programs such as transportation, home-delivered meals, and housing. Additionally, the Coalition advocates for wellness centers and congregate meal sites.
On December 10, 2013, more than 100 older DC residents met for a town hall meeting to voice their concerns (S.A.C. was one of the key sponsors). Tara Bahrampour wrote the article “District Seniors call for more affordable housing and protection from rent hikes” for The Washington Post regarding the meeting. Read it here.
“The people with the greatest needs are the ones less able to speak up for themselves.” – Sally S. White, executive director of Iona Senior Services.
In the coming year, the Coalition will be focusing its efforts on these main areas:
- Department on Aging & Community Living: Continue to close the gap for all community-based services
- Housing: Increase availability and access to affordable and accessible housing for seniors and seniors with disabilities.
- Health and Nutrition: Provide adequate nutrition and health support to seniors.
- Transportation: Work to improve access to transportation through increased supportive transportation and coordination of transportation options throughout the District.
Additionally, SAC is partnering with the DC Age Friendly City initiative “to ensure all DC residents are active, connected, healthy, engaged, and happy in their environment.”
MEMBERSHIP
The SAC welcomes new advocates, stakeholders and community representatives to the team. SAC membership provides a rewarding opportunity to engage with DC seniors and bring positive change to their lives. If you are interested in becoming involved, please click here.