AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly empowers, defends, and protects Washington’s elderly residents – the frail, poor, disabled, and institutionalized – a majority of whom are low-income ethnic minorities and women. The idea is not simply to take care of legal matters but to address fundamental human needs: income, housing, long-term care, and personal autonomy. The Legal Advice Hotline ensures prompt guidance from a seasoned attorney, helping thousands of DC residents annually. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for the rights and dignity of residents in nursing homes and other facilities. The Homebound Elderly Project provides legal assistance to the elderly right where they live - even in the hospital. The Alternatives to Landlord/Tenant Court Project and its Elder Buddies volunteer de-cluttering program prevent evictions, displacements, and homelessness among low-income elder tenants. The test of a community is how it cares for its elderly. Surely this is a test we can pass.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 2

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; DC-Ward 1; DC-Ward 2; DC-Ward 3; DC-Ward 4; DC-Ward 5; DC-Ward 6; DC-Ward 7; DC-Ward 8

Age Groups Served: Seniors (50+)

Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Asian American; Caucasian; Latino/Hispanic; Other

Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Women/Girls


  • Number of people (clients, patrons, students, etc) your organization serves annually:   6,000
  • Number of volunteers who work with your organization annually:   600
  • Number of hours of volunteer work you record annually:   20,000
  • Additional impact:  
    $10,000,000 in monetary benefits and/or legal victories obtained for our clients annually

Awards & Recognition

Received the Community Cornerstone Award from D.C. Councilmember Anita Bonds for making "an extraordinary impact in improving the quality of life and well-being of District residents" (August 2015)
Received the prestigious Potter Stewart Award from the Council on Court Excellence in recognition of its superlative advocacy efforts (May 2014)
Received the Laura Lisner Award "for outstanding achievements enhancing the quality of life for older adults" (May 2011)
Named the "Best Place to Volunteer in D.C." by the Washington City Paper (March 2011)
For 12 consecutive years LCE's Pro Bono Publico newsletter has received an "APEX Award for Excellence"

Press

Budget (FY2015)

  • The current budget for AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly is: $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About the Catalogue for Philanthropy

Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.

The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

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