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95 Year-Old Receives AARP's Highest Honor for Community Service

AARP

AARP North Carolina presents John Woodmansee the 2026 Andrus Award for Community Service – AARP's highest volunteer honor

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — AARP North Carolina has selected John Woodmansee of Winston-Salem as the recipient of the 2026 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, the organization's most prestigious and visible volunteer award recognizing outstanding community service by North Carolinians age 50 and older.

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At age 95, John Woodmansee continues to demonstrate that service has no age limit. Since joining the Shepherd’s Center of Greater Winston-Salem home repair program in 2015 at age 84, he has completed more than 2,600 home repairs for area residents, helping older adults remain safe, independent and comfortably housed in their own homes.

Drawing on decades of experience as a home inspector, builder, counselor and educator, Woodmansee volunteers several hours each day, often six days a week, tackling repairs that range from leaky faucets and broken toilets to air-conditioning systems and critical home safety modifications. His work has saved older residents thousands of dollars while helping them age in place with dignity and confidence.

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“John exemplifies the spirit of the Andrus Award through his unwavering dedication to serving others,” said Michael Olender, AARP North Carolina State Director. “His commitment to improving the lives of others, sharing his expertise and inspiring fellow volunteers demonstrates that aging can be a time of tremendous purpose, leadership and impact. John's service has strengthened his community and touched countless lives across the Winston-Salem area.”

Beyond home repairs, Woodmansee mentors and trains fellow volunteers, teaches educational classes, volunteers with tax preparation programs and supports housing initiatives that help individuals transition out of homelessness. He is also known for encouraging others to volunteer and for generously sharing his knowledge and experience with younger generations.

According to his nomination, Woodmansee serves as both a volunteer and a mentor, helping guide a team of approximately 25 repair volunteers. Even after experiencing a significant health setback several years ago, he returned to volunteering with renewed energy and dedication. His perseverance and commitment continue to inspire everyone around him. “John is our busiest Minor Home Repair volunteer, sometimes completing one third of all repairs on a monthly basis,” adds Melissa Smith, Associate Executive Director of The Shepherd’s Center of Greater Winston-Salem. “John exemplifies what it means to stay busy and purposeful in retirement. In fact, when we called him to tell him about the award, he was at someone’s home standing in a bathtub fixing a faucet. That’s classic John!”

The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service honors individuals who share the values and vision of AARP by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. Named for AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, the award recognizes people whose volunteer contributions improve communities and embody the principles of service, purpose and positive aging. As North Carolina's 2026 Andrus Award recipient, Woodmansee received a commemorative award, and AARP made a $2,000 donation to the Shepeherd Center, a non-profit that Woodmansee selected to receive the donation.

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