Emmaus Services for the Aging

A social justice organization located at 9th and P Streets, NW, Emmaus Services for the Aging is a 501(c)(3) “Safety Net” organization dedicated to providing educational, nutritional, advocacy services and social programs to older adults (55+) in Washington, DC. Our corps of active volunteers (without whom our mission would be virtually impossible!!) has expanded to more than 700, drawn from all Faiths and walks of life The organization’s success and longevity is a direct result of the dedication to our vision; Build trust within the community we serve, and become a champion of the frisky, the fragile, and the frail.

At Emmaus Services for the Aging, our Mission is to reach out to build trust with seniors by providing support, advocacy and services that help them remain active, respected, independent and vital members of their community.

History

A life long champion for the rights of the poor and the elderly, Dr. Arthur S. Flemming served in every president’s administration, from FDR to Clinton, and held such positions as Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, Commissioner on Aging and Chair of the Civil Rights Commission. His passion to serve the elderly lead him to organize a coalition of five local faith communities who would seek out frail and isolated seniors and connect them to the support they needed. The dedicated efforts of Dr. Flemming and the five founding faith communities lead to the beginning of Emmaus Services for the Aging. In 1978 Emmaus opened its doors to the community and more than 30 years later, moved into a new building within the Shaw community.