AARP honors South Coastal Village Volunteers vice chair

AARP Delaware announced Christine Powers was honored with the 2023 Andrus Award for Community Service, the association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award.

Powers was selected for her remarkable service, which has greatly benefited her community, reflected AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers. She is vice chair of South Coastal Village Volunteers in Bethany Beach.

South Coastal Village Volunteers helps Delawareans live independently in their own homes, giving them more choices as to how they live as they age. It is a branch of Village Volunteers, a 501c3 nonprofit agency serving the Lewes area. These volunteers assist members with services such as transportation to medical appointments, home visits, phone check-ins, errands and technology support.

Her nominator described Powers as “the heart and soul of SCVV.”

“This award acts as a symbol to the public that we can all work together for positive social change,” said George Meldrum, AARP Delaware state president. “AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism, and the important contributions volunteers make to their communities, neighbors and the programs they serve.”

Powers was one of the founders of SCVV in 2019. She and her colleagues developed the organization’s structure, budget, policies and priorities. During the COVID pandemic, she navigated the restrictions and ensured the organization remained active. Today, with Powers’ leadership, SCVV’s 133 volunteers offer a full range of services to 90 members.

Members of SCVV pay a small annual fee and are entitled to 25 hours of service per month. Subsidized memberships are offered for low-income residents. Through Powers’ work, the quality of life of organization members has been greatly enhanced. This is in keeping with AARP’s vision of giving people more choices as to how they want to live as they age.

Powers is recognized for maintaining communication channels with members and their caregivers. She eases concerns of loved ones who are not close by and assures them that someone is in contact with those needing care. SCVV has recently added in-person events and creative offerings for members. This helps keep them socially engaged and living successfully in their communities for as long as possible.

Powers’ hard work and motivation makes life better for her Sussex County neighbors, and that makes her the perfect recipient for AARP Delaware’s 2023 Andrus Award.

Recipients across the nation were chosen for their ability to enhance the lives of AARP members and prospective members, improve the community in or for which the work was performed, and inspire others to volunteer.