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Donna Powell of Manchester to Receive 2026 AARP Connecticut Andrus Award for Community Service
AARP’s Annual Highest Volunteer Honor Recognizes Outstanding Volunteers Age 50-Plus
AARP Connecticut is pleased to announce Donna Powell of Manchester has been selected to receive the 2026 Andrus Award for Community Service, AARP’s most prestigious state volunteer award, for her outstanding volunteerism and commitment to the community. Ms. Powell will be presented with the Andrus Award as part of an ice cream social ceremony at the UR Community Tech Center in Manchester on October 30, 2026. Ms. Powell is receiving the award in recognition of her substantial contributions and significant impact across a variety of UR Community Cares areas.
“Across Connecticut, volunteers age 50 and older are strengthening communities and improving lives every day, and Ms. Powell is a remarkable example of that,” said John Wilson, AARP Connecticut Volunteer State President. “She has devoted her time, talents, and experience to helping others, embodying the values that inspired AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus and continue to guide our work today.”
The AARP State Andrus Award for Community Service is an annual awards program developed to honor individuals whose service is a unique and valuable contribution to society. The award is named for AARP founder, Ethel Percy Andrus, whose motto “to serve, not to be served” continues to shape our work years after she founded this association to help older Americans age with dignity and purpose.
Ms. Powell said, "Keeping people connected strengthens our communities and enriches lives. I'm honored to be recognized for my role at UR Community Cares, and I hope this award encourages more people to become volunteers in whatever way possible. Find your fit and start making a difference!"
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In addition to the recognition, AARP Connecticut donates $3,000 on behalf of the Andrus recipient to an eligible non-profit organization of their choosing. Ms. Powell selected UR Community Cares as the recipient.
UR Community Cares is a Manchester, Connecticut, based nonprofit helping older adults age in place with dignity, connection and independence through free technology education, companion support and community events. As Connecticut's first licensed Senior Planet from AARP program, the organization provides classes in partnership with senior centers, libraries, healthcare organizations, and other venues. Visit urcommunitycares.org or call 860-430-4557 to learn more about the organization, becoming a volunteer trainer, bringing technology education to your community or the free UR Community Tech Center classes.
A volunteer with UR Community Cares for more than seven years, Ms. Powell's contributions span critical areas including marketing, event planning, development, volunteer coordination, technology assistance, and direct companionship. Her leadership was foundational during UR Community Cares’ 2019 launch and stakeholders roadmap, as well as the 2024 grand opening of UR Community Tech Center, where she now helps manage free technology classes and individual coaching.
Ms. Powell has made an extraordinary impact on older adults and the broader community through her dedicated volunteer service with UR Community Cares. Combining compassionate, one-on-one support with organizational leadership, she has helped plan and coordinate more than 125 free classes and community events, empowered more than 300 older adults through digital literacy instruction and walk-in technology support, and provided more than 100 remote and in-person companion sessions. Her work helps older adults stay connected to family, access health care and essential services, and maintain their independence while aging in their own homes.
Her contributions extend well beyond direct service. Ms. Powell has helped recruit, orient and support more than 25 volunteers; strengthened outreach through event promotion, branding and community partnerships; and worked with grantors, funders, community leaders and local officials to expand awareness and support for UR Community Cares. She has also played an important role in the development of the UR Community Tech Center and digital literacy initiatives that address barriers to technology, health access and social connection.
Whether patiently helping an older adult navigate a smartphone or health portal, providing companionship to someone experiencing isolation, mentoring another volunteer, or helping strengthen the organization behind those services, she brings together strategic leadership and personal compassion. Her commitment has strengthened UR Community Cares, inspired fellow volunteers and helped create a more connected, supportive and age-friendly community.
"Donna’s commitment to service has touched the lives of hundreds of local residents,” said Michelle Puzzo, founder and executive director of UR Community Cares. “Donna has consistently strengthened our organization through leadership, compassion, reliability, and a genuine commitment to older adults. She truly inspires others to embrace our mission.”
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