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
- 'I wasn't crazy': A homeless woman's long war to prove the feds owe her $100,000
Mon Aug 22 2016, Washington Post
Legal Counsel for the Elderly helped a homeless 80-year-old DC woman secure $100,000+ she was owed by Social Security.
- Hundreds in D.C. lost Medicaid assistance without cause, attorneys say
Mon Aug 12 2013, Washington Post
"These are absolutely critical services. The safety net falls and we look at dire consequences." - Rebekah Mason, LCE staff attorney
- DC's tax-sale system lacks notice to homeowners, attorneys say
Mon May 28 2012, Washington Post
DC's property tax sale system is severely flawed; the article highlights key systemic reforms advocated by LCE & others
- Asesoria legal gratis para jubilados en Washington DC (Free legal advice for retirees in Washington D.C.)
Fri Jun 17 2011, Univision
This TV news story highlights LCE's expanded efforts to serve our older Latino neighbors here in the District of Columbia.
- A legal voice for those who can't afford a lawyer
Mon Jun 7 2010, Washington Post "Capital Business"
Feature article about LCE's Board Chair Bill Isaacson focuses on his long history of pro bono service & charitable support (see page 22).
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
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