A Message from Our CEO: Celebrating Growth, Community, and Impact

Dear Friends,

The summer ended with the Paris Olympic Games hosting athletes from over 200 nations with vast linguistic diversity, colorful life experiences, and of course, competitors of all ages. Among the thousands competing this year, the youngest athlete was just 11 years old and the oldest was 65. Jill Irving made her Olympic debut at the age of 61 and reminded us that it’s never too late to live out our dreams. She said in an interview, “for all you 61-year-olds out there, go for it, live your dream.”   

Throughout the past year, I’ve met with many wonderful members of the Iona community who are boldly living out their dreams or stepping out of their comfort zones to learn something new. One person recently shared, “I found out I love to paint and have talent because of Iona’s Around Town DC program. I’ve sold a couple of paintings and donated some to auctions to raise money! I’ve learned so much in Iona’s art classes and am now venturing into mixed media and fiber arts.”  

Stories like this highlight Iona’s transformative impact on individuals, and they reflect the broader progress we’ve made as an organization with your support. Last year, in partnership with the D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL), we expanded our nutrition and socialization programs to six new locations in Ward 2, serving low-income older adults in diverse communities, many of whom live below the federal poverty level. As hunger, isolation, and poverty rates continue to rise throughout the aging population, your support allows us to advance Iona’s mission by seeking innovative ways to serve older community members and their family caregivers.

A year of significant growth   

As a result, close to 60,000 meals, an increase of 500% from previous years, have been served to food insecure older adults during the past 12 months. We made sure they had access to important socialization programs to overcome loneliness and isolation, education and counseling for better health outcomes, and critical social services to ensure elders in the community receive the care they need. The collective efforts of the Iona team have resulted in our ability to serve an additional 850 individuals in comparison to previous years. This represents a growth of over 25% in people served by the organization in one year.   

Recognizing our efforts, DACL has awarded Iona the Ward 4 Senior Service Lead Agency grant for the new fiscal year. With this new grant, we are creating a dedicated team to implement services for older residents of Ward 4. For more information on our Ward 4 sites, visit www.iona.org. 

Additionally, our growth enables us to better support older adults in need of memory care resources, especially for people who are aging alone. If Washington, D.C. were a state, it would have the highest prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias in the nation, making it crucial for us to advance Iona’s dementia care capabilities. With a new grant from the Washington Home Foundation and vital donor support, we’ve developed a strategy to provide education and assessments at all of Iona’s community-based sites in Wards 2 & 3. Based on these assessments, individuals will have access to Dementia Navigators for planning or referrals to medical specialists. Additionally, we’re implementing the Savvy Caregiver program, to empower caregivers with skills and strategies, while offering respite support through Iona’s Adult Day and Age Well/Live Well programs.

New federal support and partnership   

I am very excited to share that Congress has awarded Iona a grant which will be utilized to support our mission-critical but underfunded programs like the Mental Health Program, Caregiver Support Groups, Aging and Caregiver Support (formerly Iona Care Management), and Adult Day Health. Our goal is to develop sustainable business models for each of our advanced wellness and eldercare services.  

Lastly, Iona has been selected through a competitive RFP process to join a cohort of 400 organizations to implement the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model. This model, developed under the Biden Administration’s Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care, aligns with the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease. It utilizes Medicare as an alternative payment model to support people with dementia and their caregivers. Iona will begin implementation of GUIDE in July 2025.   

As we approach Iona’s 50th anniversary, we remain dedicated to ensuring that everyone’s basic needs are met, and advanced care is available for all people on their aging journey. Thank you for your continued support in helping to advance Iona’s important mission.

Yours sincerely,

Joon Bang
Chief Executive Officer

Celebrating Together: A Look Back at Iona’s Community Highlights

As we reflect on this incredible year, we’re excited to share some memorable moments! From community gatherings to special programs, events and celebrations, these images capture the heart of Iona’s impact and the people who make it all possible.

The Asian and Pacific Islander Senior Center (API Center) provides services like recreational activities, meals, counseling, case management and more, to the API community in the District. Here are highlights from the Center’s Lunar New Year celebration, yoga and violin activities, and fashion show.

The Oasis Senior Center offers a safe space for unhoused older adults to access nutritious meals, supportive services, and a welcoming community. Pictured are participants and staff at the Mayor’s 13th Annual Senior Symposium, hosted by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL).

The Active Wellness Program at St. Alban’s is a daily wellness program designed to bring older adults together through exercise, classes, workshops, and a healthy lunch. Pictured are highlights from a weekly Improv class and our Pride celebration.

Iona’s Community Dining Sites combat senior hunger in D.C. by providing nutritious food and resources they need to age well. Pictured are staff and community members at James Apartments enjoying a summer Aloha-themed party (pictured above, right).

Iona’s Memory Café offers a welcoming space for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia and their families to enjoy a shared experience. Pictured are participants, families, and Iona staff and volunteers enjoying a St. Patrick’s Day-themed Memory Café with live entertainment, food, and community (pictured above, left).

The 2024 Summer Arts Exhibition highlighted the remarkable work of our participants and community artists at The Lois & Richard England Gallery in Iona’s Tenleytown location (pictured above, center).

Celebrating 50 Years of Impact!

In 2025, Iona Senior Services will be celebrating our 50th anniversary—marking five decades of impact serving older adults and caregivers in the District and surrounding communities. Throughout the years, we’ve proudly provided essential services to help people age with dignity and care.  

As we approach this milestone, we invite you to celebrate with us! Stay tuned for exciting events and opportunities to reflect on this incredible journey together. Subscribe to our eNewsletter for the latest: www.iona.org/enews