Five years ago, Mary Lee Anderson was asked if she could help Senior Services of Alexandria set up an information database. Since that time, what was supposed to be a part-time commitment has turned into a second career for the international telecommunications corporate executive.
“At this point in my life, I didn’t expect to be working more than a full time job,” said Anderson, who now leads the organization she first volunteered with nearly 30 years ago. “But I wanted to make a difference and saw a way that I could help people.”
Anderson took over as Executive Director of Senior Services of Alexandria two years ago after serving as the director of the Resource Center since 2010. During that time, she developed the popular Senior Speaker Series and Friendly Visitor Program.
“Both of those programs have been very successful,” Anderson said. “Our speaker series, now in its fourth year, is not just for seniors. Each program is free and open to anyone who is interested in attending.”
SSA provides information and services to anyone involved or interested in issues related to seniors. This includes the Senior Information Corner, which can be found in all four of the city’s recreation centers, and a monthly television show called Senior Living in Alexandria. The show can be viewed on Comcast Channel 70 or the Senior Services of Alexandria YouTube channel.
“I learned the hard way how to take care of older people in my life,” Anderson said. “I was the executor of my mother’s estate and realized how much help I needed to navigate the process.”
Senior Services of Alexandria, known for the coordination of the city’s Meals on Wheels program, has expanded the services available to seniors in need.
“Because of the dedication of our volunteers, we have been able to add a Friendly Visitor program and now the Animeals service,” Anderson said. “In partnership with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, we can provide pet food to seniors that have pets.”
New this year is the Groceries to Go delivery service, a service available through the Giant Grocery store on Duke Street.
“Steve Mason, the general manager of the Duke Street Giant, really stepped up to make this happen,” Anderson said. “He was able to work with us to eliminate the usual grocery delivery costs and allow us to offer the service to Alexandria seniors.”
In addition to programs like Groceries to Go, Meals On Wheels and Friendly Visitor, Senior Services of Alexandria coordinates events like the Robust Walk-A-Thon and the Dance for All Ages.
“The dance is really great fun,” Anderson said. “Students in the T.C. Williams High School Government Association plan the entire event. They set up, decorate, get door prizes and dance the night away with more than 100 seniors. They truly do it all and make it a memorable evening for everyone.”
But the Meals On Wheels program is still the core of Senior Services of Alexandria, with volunteers coming from across the city. Schools like T.C. Williams, Lyles-Crouch and Burgundy Farm participate, as do the Black Fire Service Professionals of Alexandria and the Sheriff’s Department.
“Sheriff Dana Lawhorne and Undersheriff Tim Gleeson are always there for us,” Anderson said. “If the weather is bad, they are there with their SUVs to make sure our meals get delivered. And despite the storms this year, I am proud to say because of them and our volunteers, we never missed a delivery because of snow.”
At a time when most people would be winding down their professional careers, Anderson’s love for helping people keeps her going.
“I truly love this job,” Anderson said. “Everyone likes to do something with kids but it’s harder to get volunteers with seniors. But I like knowing that every day at least one thing I do makes a difference to someone.”
For more information on any Senior Services of Alexandria programs or events, call 703-836-4414 or visit www.seniorservicesalex.org.