Here’s our spring 2025 edition of To Serve, the AARP Foundation newsletter. Your support helps make stories like these possible — thank you!

• It Takes a Village: Recognizing Community Heroes
• Fighting for Seniors in the Highest Court in the Land
• A Helping Hand for Seniors in Search of Work

It Takes a Village: Recognizing Community Heroes

Something we've learned in our work to end senior poverty is that we can't do it alone. It truly takes a village to make meaningful change, with some individuals going above and beyond for their communities.

Erika Murdoch has worked for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, an AARP Foundation grantee, for over a decade, helping applicants access benefits through California’s version of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Beyond her official duties, she serves as an unofficial counselor, providing a compassionate ear to those who never thought they'd need assistance. As one senior client remarked, "when I called I got Erika, and everything just got better."

Unsung heroes like Erika can be found throughout the country, which is why we've launched our Community Heroes story series to celebrate their crucial work.

Natosha Hayward is a partner engagement manager at SC Thrive, a Foundation grantee connecting community members to resources like Medicaid, SNAP and long-term care. An expert in both state benefits and the organization's ThriveHub software, she travels across South Carolina training partner organizations and hosting community events. Despite her busy schedule, Natosha makes time for individual clients, patiently guiding them through complex processes — even after work hours. She says it was what she was raised to do. "Helping those that need help, listen, and be there."

Similarly, Jeannie Rubero directs senior services at Centro Hispano's Casa de la Amistad senior center in Reading, Pennsylvania. While managing the center's programming and supervising 39 bilingual staff members, Jeannie helps people apply for benefits, make appointments, and pay bills. As an ordained pastor, Jeannie's commitment extends beyond work hours — she visits parishioners to pray with them and delivers resources to those unable to reach the center.

Jeannie, Natosha and Erika are shining examples of Community Heroes — and so are you, as a donor to AARP Foundation. While these compassionate people contribute their time and expertise, you provide crucial financial resources. Together, these contributions are creating a future without senior poverty.

Learn More About Community Heroes

 

Fighting for Seniors in the Highest Court in the Land

The Supreme Court often hears cases with huge implications for older adults — and AARP Foundation frequently has a hand in those cases, defending the rights of seniors and protecting them against harm and exploitation.

In 2025, the Court is poised to decide cases that affect seniors in many ways, including:

Bufkin v. McDonough

Two veterans sued after the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) denied them service-related medical benefits, claiming they weren't given the required "benefit of the doubt" despite close evidence. The Supreme Court will now clarify the standard for reviewing such denials — a decision potentially affecting nearly half of all veterans who are 65 or older. Learn more about this case. 

Advocate Christ Medical Center v. Becerra

The Medicare and Medicaid Act of 1965 authorizes the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to make additional Medicare payments to hospitals that serve a disproportionate number of patients with low income. The question in this case is whether the government has been underpaying hospitals that treat a high number of these patients— typically older adults on Medicare or Medicaid. Learn more about this case. 

Stanley v. City of Sanford, Florida

Nearly one-third of adults 65-plus have disabilities, many depending on retirement benefits for health care. Former firefighter Karyn Stanley retired due to Parkinson's disease, expecting health insurance until 65. When the city limited coverage for ex-employees, her discrimination claim was denied because she no longer worked there. The Supreme Court will decide if former employees like Karyn can sue to protect their benefits. Learn more about this case. 

As always, AARP Foundation will continue to advocate for older adults around the country and work for systemic change in state and federal courts, including the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Preview Litigation Work from AARP Foundation

 

Helping Hand for Seniors in Search of Work

Harold St. John faced a crisis after being laid off as an IT delivery manager in January 2024. Despite his extensive experience and network, and scores of job applications, he was still unemployed two months later and running out of savings. Harold feared he might lose his home, as he also lost confidence.

"I'm thinking, 'I'm 63, maybe I just don't have it anymore,'" he recalls.

At his wife Susan's suggestion, Harold turned to AARP Foundation's BACK TO WORK 50+ program, which provides free workshops, career coaching, and resources for older adults.

The program proved transformative. With newfound expertise and confidence from AARP Foundation career coaches, Harold revamped his résumé and job search strategy.

His efforts paid off just in time. A week before his unemployment benefits expired, Harold received an offer from TuneCore, a digital music publishing company. The senior position perfectly matched his skills and came with a higher salary than he expected.

Thanks to BACK TO WORK 50+ and generous supporters like you, Harold and many other older adults have found second chances at meaningful careers.

Read Harold's Full Story

 

How Charitable Gifts Can Benefit You

Do you want to help vulnerable older adults and earn income? A charitable gift annuity may be the perfect solution. With a minimum gift of $10,000, you can receive lifetime income at highly competitive rates while supporting seniors in need.

Learn More about Charitable Gifts