News

Terry McAnn, Candidate Ward III

Sep 24, 2025

If elected, how would you ensure that older adults who live in Durham are included in zoning decisions, particularly individuals from communities that have been historically marginalized? Part of the reason why Durham is not developed like she should is become citizen input had not been sough heavily over that of developers. ALL citizens must […]

Terry McAnn, Candidate Ward III

September 24, 2025 by Sam Peterson

If elected, how would you ensure that older adults who live in Durham are included in zoning decisions, particularly individuals from communities that have been historically marginalized?

Part of the reason why Durham is not developed like she should is become citizen input had not been sough heavily over that of developers. ALL citizens must have a place at the table to provide input that must be weighed and considered in making any zoning decisions.

Do you support requiring developers to build accessible, affordable housing? We are aware
of the state-level limitations on local municipalities.

Yes

If elected, how would you use the City’s contracting process to incentivize the expansion of affordable and accessible housing for older adults and people who have disabilities?

Making it known to contractors that the city of Durham will be designed based on our specifications is tantamount moving forward to how the city will be built. Future privilege to future building will be granted first to contractors that uphold Durham’s standards for building. Sites must be constructed in a timely fashion.

Durham currently has at least 1 public school building that is not being used. Considering
the examples of New Bethel Homes and the Veranda at Whitted senior housing communities, do you support renovating former schools into housing for older adults and adults who have disabilities?

Yes

Because of factors like low salaries, lack of professional advancement, the growing aging population and burnout – Durham has a shortage in people who are working in home health. One of the objectives in the City of Durham’s current strategic plan is to build a talented and competitive workforce. If elected, what will you do to support current home health workers?

1) The new Durham Early College of Health Sciences that opens this year would be an excellent place to start. Working with DPS and perhaps the city and county, a scholarship program could be developed to grow talent in the Bull City where after graduation from college recipients work at least 4 years in Durham. The same opportunity could be offered to other students that attend other schools, too.
2) The city and county can consider a supplement to base pay program based on merit. The goal is to keep these workers here in Durham and for the to also stay abreast of best practices in the field. To obtain the supplement, they must be good at what they do and pursue staff development and trainings.

What is your vision for the City to support older adults so that they can age in-place safely and with dignity? If elected, how will you support organizations that are currently providing resources to older adults, including advocacy?

The infrastructure that older adults needs must be enveloped in and around the communities
they live in. On my website under VISION, I would like for the old NorthGate Mall to be redesigned making sure than housing for seniors is included. Services that they need like medical and other health related entities would be on the grounds. A mini-clinic that serves both the aging and the public would be on-site. With limited mobility that some have, having an anchor grocery store and drug stores and other services would be spaces within the revamped mall. The primary resources that seniors would need would be on the NorthGate campus. Elevators and escalators that are there would assist with mobility within the
complex.

The federal bill H.R. 1 (Big Beautiful Bill) will significantly reduce access to essential resources that people in Durham need including SNAP, Medicaid and affordable health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace (Obamacare). If elected, give 2-3 examples of how you will support Durham’s collective well-being given that there will be less access to essential needs like food and healthcare?

Once fraud and waste are eliminated and individuals that are able-bodied that are off the government dole, there will be enough money that will support our vulnerable populations. We do not have a food shortage but we can provide services like this more efficiently and to the right people that need them. If possible, I would like to see if there is a way or mechanism for healthcare to be funded by pooling resources together with Durham residents that qualify as well as other counties as a cooperative.

Ashley Robbins, Candidate Ward III

Sep 24, 2025

If elected, how would you ensure that older adults who live in Durham are included in zoning decisions, particularly individuals from communities that have been historically marginalized? The accessibility needs of older adults is a topic I have brought up in many meetings around planning. I am a disability services professional and aging and disability […]

Ashley Robbins, Candidate Ward III

September 24, 2025 by Sam Peterson

If elected, how would you ensure that older adults who live in Durham are included in zoning decisions, particularly individuals from communities that have been historically marginalized?

The accessibility needs of older adults is a topic I have brought up in many meetings around planning. I am a disability services professional and aging and disability are heavily intertwined. It is estimated that one in four adults in the country has some type of disability. By 2030, people 65 and older will outnumber children and by 2050 the number of blind and visually impaired people is expected to double. Our abilities are temporary. We can all experience disability at any time and as we age, all of us will experience some level of disability whether it is hearing loss, diminished vision, mobility impairments, neurological impairments, etc. The city builds a lot of apartment buildings. Most do not have elevators and have limited units that are accessible for people with physical disabilities. Many older adults are unable to spend their later years in their own home and are forced into assisting living facilities or nursing homes due to the inaccessibility of their home. It is important to get feedback from older adults about what they need to feel safe, what amenities they want/need, the wrap around services they need, and incorporate them into intergenerational spaces. If elected, I would implement an advisory board of older adults
from different areas of the city. I would appoint a liaison to field concerns. I would do my best to make sure our community elders, especially those from historically marginalized communities understand new ordinances and require direct engagement with older residents on proposed zoning changes. I would also recommend protections to prevent older residents from being taken advantage of by predatory investors, contractors, etc. I would also recommend consistent workshops and learning sessions around planning and development.

Do you support requiring developers to build accessible, affordable housing? We are aware of the state-level limitations on local municipalities.

Yes

If elected, how would you use the City’s contracting process to incentivize the expansion of affordable and accessible housing for older adults and people who have disabilities?

I would recommend the following: partnering with local credit unions for financing support including low-interest loans and grants for purchasing and/or rehabilitating older properties, collaborating with local non-profits to rehabilitate/repurpose existing structures, purchasing abandoned properties and devalued land before predatory investors swoop in, donating additional city owned land to community land trusts.

Durham currently has at least 1 public school building that is not being used. Considering the examples of New Bethel Homes and the Veranda at Whitted senior housing communities, do you support renovating former schools into housing for older adults?

Yes

Because of factors like low salaries, lack of professional advancement, the growing aging
population and burnout – Durham has a shortage in people who are working in home health. One of the objectives in the City of Durham’s current strategic plan is to build a talented and competitive workforce. If elected, what will you do to support current home health workers?

The first step in supporting workers in all industries, but especially essential workers that provide healthcare for some of our most vulnerable residents, is to pay them a thriveable wage. I would support the unionization of home healthcare workers to negotiate fair wages, benefits, time-off, etc. In order to attract and retain dedicated, quality professionals we must ensure they are compensated properly. I would also reach out to area hospital systems, high schools, colleges, and universities and advocate for cross-training programs and exchanges that provide pathways for advancement for both students and home health workers interested in furthering their career in the medical field while offering training opportunities for students at area schools.

What is your vision for the City to support older adults so that they can age in-place safely
and with dignity? If elected, how will you support organizations that are currently
providing resources to older adults, including advocacy?

I believe that most people would prefer to age in place if they have an option. My vision includes more intergenerational where older adults and their families can live in close proximity to one another. We tend to build niche communities in isolation. There are spaces for adults without children, families, and older adults- all separate communities. We need spaces that bring all of these communities together. I envision our communities being walkable and safe with access to green space, recreation, quality medical care, healthy food, efficient public transit, accessible and accommodating for disabilities. I would advocate for safeguards to protect older adults from losing their home due to situations such as increases in property taxes, predatory buyers, imminent domain, etc. I strongly believe many of the changes we need will likely happen neighborhood by neighborhood. If elected, I would encourage folks to set up mutual aid networks in their neighborhoods where relationships are established and people look out for one another. If we all do a little, no one person has to do too much. It is often difficult for older adults to age in place because they do not have the support. They may not have children or family, or their family may not live close. Rebuilding and reinvesting in our communities and the people in them will help us all get the support we need. Our elders deserve to age at home, safely and with dignity.

I would advocate to pressure Duke to tap into its resources to help provide healthcare
services to those who may lose access.
I have relationships with many local organizations that provide fresh produce to folks. I
volunteer with Feed Durham and part of their work includes helping people grow their own
food and encouraging folks to grow extra food for others. I have also help set up a
community fridge in Bragtown. As an elected official, I would seek funding to scale these
operations that provide our neighbors with food.
I would recommend the formation of service corps to recruit volunteers with various skills
to volunteer their services to the community. I believe that we are heading for some dark
times and we will need each other to survive. It is imperative we all be ready to lend our
knowledge, skills, and resources. Our survival depends on one another and liberation is on the other side of chaos.

Information about Rides to the Polls

Sep 23, 2025

Goal 4 in the 2025-2030 Durham Comprehensive Aging Plan’s Civic Engagement domain is “Promote equitable voter participation and civic engagement throughout Durham.” This includes making sure that all older adults have information about voter requirements, poll locations, voting periods and deadlines. It also means Durham having accessible polling locations and that transportation is available to […]

Information about Rides to the Polls

September 23, 2025 by Sam Peterson

GoDurham Connect is a flexible ride service that takes us where we need to go within the North or East Durham Zones. You can request a same-day ride to the polls in a sedan, minivan or 12-passenger van. Please visit the GoDurham Connect page for more information including an interactive map to check if your address is in the two zones – https://godurhamtransit.org/news/godurham-connect
The Durham Housing Authority Durham is offering free rides to the polls for early vote and Election Day. Call 833-628-6827 (833-NC-VOTAR)
Durham Drives works with Durham volunteers to provide free rides for everyone.

Candidates for This Year’s City Elections Share Their Visions for an Age-Friendly Durham

As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Aging Well Durham does not endorse or oppose any political candidates. Our focus remains on our mission to promote collaborative efforts to build a safe, affordable, accessible and connected community for aging adults in Durham. Aging Well Durham engages in non-partisan activities to educate the public on policy issues relevant to our work. We do not support or oppose any political candidates or parties.

The 2025 Durham Comprehensive Aging Plan’s Community Advisory Council developed a candidate’s questionnaire during its July 2025 meeting. The Council sent an introduction and the questionnaire’s link to each individual running for the 4 municipal seats using the email addresses listed on filing applications. The questionnaire was open from August 18th -September 8th. Click this sentence to go to the Durham County Board of Elections website page to learn more about this year’s voting timeline and polling locations.

The biographical statements sent in by each candidates who answered the questionnaire can be found below. The statements are organized by the offices that are being voted-on and alphabetically by the candidates’ last names. Click on the candidate’s name to read their full responses to the questionnaire. Candidates who did not respond are listed below as well.

All of the views expressed by the candidates in their responses to the
questionnaire are their own. Aging Well Durham does not support or oppose
any political candidates or parties. Some of the candidates’ responses have
been edited for spelling.

Candidates for Ward I Council Seat

Dreana Freeman, Candidate for Ward I Council

Biographical Statement

DeDreana Freeman is a Community-Based Leader with proven results around Equity in Action. For nearly eight years on the Durham City Council, Freeman has been a bold and consistent advocate for justice. With a track record of advancing social, economic, and environmental equity, she brings the leadership experience and lived perspective needed to guide Durham into a more inclusive future. A nonprofit leader, policy strategist, and established consultant, DeDreana has also held executive roles with state and local non profits. She is an alumna of both Rutgers University and North Carolina Central University, where she earned a Master of Public Administration.

DeDreana’s lived experience fuels her passion for challenging the status quo. A mother of three, a wife, and a community based leader, she channels her advocacy into real policy change, centering the voices of those too often left out of the conversation. She currently serves in leadership roles on numerous
city, regional, and national boards.

Elijah King, Candidate for Ward l Council

Biographical Statement

I am a proud son of Durham, shaped by this community and committed to serving it. My belief has always been that politics is about service, not status. As Third Vice Chair of the NC Democratic Party, I’ve built relationships across rural and urban communities to expand access and representation. Here at home, I’ve served on boards from the NC AIDS Action Network to Made in Durham. I co-founded the Durham Neighbors Free Lunch Initiative, which delivered 60,000 meals during the pandemic, and the Durham Youth Environmental Justice Initiative, empowering the next generation at the intersection of climate and equity. I’ve organized for accountability in policing and restorative justice in schools, and was unanimously re-elected to a second term as a state party leader. As a young, Black, LGBTQ candidate
with lived experience and proven results, I know Durham’s greatest strength is its people. My campaign is rooted in service, equity, and opportunity for all.

Matt Kopac, Candidate for Ward l Council

Biographical Statement

Hi, I’m Matt – a proud husband, father, son, and long-time Durham resident with deep roots in this community. My parents taught me to work for peace and fight for justice, shaping my career in service. As a Peace Corps Volunteer, I learned to listen deeply and support grassroots community development. Advocating for federal affordable housing taught me how to develop policy and navigate complex systems. As a sustainability professional today, I help organizations develop long-term strategies and make progress on emissions reductions, waste reduction, and human rights. As a Durham Planning Commissioner, I’ve faced tough choices balancing growth with community and environmental needs. As Chair of the Environmental Affairs Board, I helped residents spur local government action, including the city’s Carbon Neutrality and Renewable Energy Plan. And I’ve also been a leading advocate for living wages and sustainable growth in Durham.

We are a community at a crossroads. Too many people are struggling, being pushed out, and finding it hard to live here. Trump and MAGA’s attacks are cutting vital programs and targeting immigrants and the diversity that makes Durham strong. We face climate threats like extreme heat and disasters like Tropical Storm Chantal. Yet, Durham is a city that looks out for one another. I believe in our city government and our community’s resilience and compassion, even as times get more difficult.

I believe now is the time for us to come together to build the Durham we all deserve. I’m running for City Council because I am a bridge builder who listens, cares, and fights for real solutions to help us realize that future. I’m running so we can work together to promote affordability, prevent displacement, invest in climate resilience, and keep each other safe. If we work together, we can make Durham a city that truly works for everyone.

Samaria McKenzie, Candidate for Ward I Council

Biographical Statement

I’m running for Durham City Council (Ward 1) to fight for community over corporations and progress through sustainability.

As an independent candidate, nonprofit founder, Marketing Director, author in social psychology, musician, and mother, I bring more than a decade of experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and leading initiatives that put people first.

My campaign is centered on protecting tenants and land, combating crime-bred addiction with compassion, addressing the housing crisis and investing in neighborhoods too often left behind.

I strive to be a beacon of integrity in politics and to ensure Durham’s systems truly reflect and serve its people.I pursued Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Later, I moved on to get an education in Marketing and Advertising Design at Sessions College, and officially started my profession in leadership as a Marketing Director and budget consultant. Then, while pregnant with my daughter, I earned my North Carolina Real Estate license.

That background, combined with my lived experience here in Durham, drives me to approach challenges with both strategy and compassion.

Candidates for Ward ll Council Seat

Ashley N. Robbins, Candidate for Ward II Council

Biographical Statement

Ashley N. Robbins is a disability services professional in higher education. In her role as an Assistive Technology Manager, she supports college students with disabilities by connecting them with tools to enhance their educational experience and work, particularly individuals with visual impairments. She is currently completing a master’s program in Assistive Technology in Visual Impairment, building on an extensive academic foundation that includes holding a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from North Carolina Central University as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, and a Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies from North Carolina State University. Ashley’s exemplary leadership and academic excellence have been recognized by the North Carolina City County Management Association with an academic scholarship (2021–2022) and she served as President of the NCCU student chapter of the International City/County Management Association during the same period.

Ashley’s professional and community work is heavily concentrated on disability inclusion by improving accessibility in public spaces and programming. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience bridging community engagement with equitable policy development, particularly through her active involvement with the City of Durham. Some of her roles and accomplishments in this capacity include Engagement Ambassador with Engage Durham, Housing Policy Work Group facilitator, Citizens Advisory Committee board member, Community Development Partnership course graduate, and Community Leaders Pilot Program alumni.

Candidates for Ward III Council Seat

Chelsea Cook, Candidate for Ward III Council

Biographical Statement

My name is Chelsea Cook, and I am the current Ward III councilmember running for the same office. Originally, I applied for City Council because of my work in housing and my passion for keeping my community safe. I have served Durham for over 5 years as an eviction defense lawyer, representing low and middle income folks at risk of losing their housing, and this often included community elders and people on fixed incomes. I am proud to have recently started a new position at Duke Law where I will be teaching students to do the same public interest litigation. Through this work, I have seen the realities of the housing crisis in Durham, identified policy issues, and built relationships in the Durham community with people across all races, beliefs, and socio-economic backgrounds. I have been able to bring this knowledge with me to the council. Since I was unanimously appointed to this council position 1.5 years ago, I have learned a lot. However, I continue to ask a lot of question; it is important to me that I understand everything on which I vote and also that the public – our constituents – get to hear the answers. I believe in a transparent, caring, and intentional government, and particularly in the importance of local leaders listening to and really hearing their constituents. I am committed to staying open and accessible while doing my best to ensure Durham can continue to grow into a city where everyone can not only survive, but can thrive.

Terry McAnn, Candidate for Ward III Council

Biographical Statement

Terry McCann is an accomplished high school mathematics teacher & department chairperson with Durham Public Schools. He serves at J.D. Clement Early College High School on the campus of North Carolina Central University. In this role, Terry leads a team of highly effective teachers to improve the educational outcomes for all student learners by designing math curricula and pedagogy to enrich the educational process.

Diana Medoff, Candidate for Ward III Council

Biographical Statement

As a camp counselor, then teacher, now mom of three, I know a little something about bringing people together. Durham doesn’t need idealists who make perfect the enemy of good. We need folks who can find real solutions for real, everyday people.

I’m running to be a relentless problem-solver. I’m running for real results. I’m running because Durham is too expensive. I’m running because we have too many people who are struggling with the basics, and it doesn’t have to be this way. I’m running because I believe Durham deserves more.

Candidates for Durham Mayor

Lloyd Phillips, Candidate for Mayor

Provide a pathway forward to change Durham City Hall that is reflective and representative of it’s constituents.

Leonardo Williams, Candidate for Mayor

Mayor Leonardo (Leo) Williams is a visionary leader dedicated to Durham’s prosperity, drawing on his diverse background as a two-time Durham Public Schools Teacher of the Year, public school administrator, and entrepreneur. His journey from the classroom to City Hall highlights a deep commitment to community.

A proud North Carolina Central University alumnus, earning degrees in Music Education BA and Education Leadership MA, he met his wife, Zweli, at NCCU, and they are the parents of son, Izaiah, who attends Duke University.

Elected to the Durham City Council in December 2021 and sworn in as Mayor in December 2023, he leads a rapidly growing city of nearly 320,000, overseeing a $755 million city budget and championing policies that significantly enhance quality of life. His influence extends nationally; he was a featured speaker at the 2024 Democratic National Convention and has welcomed Presidents and Vice Presidents to the Greater Triangle region over 25 times, showcasing Durham’s vibrant culture of innovation and economic opportunity on the world stage.

Ward I Council Seat Candidates who did not respond to the Community Advisory Council’s questionnaire:

Andrea Cazales

Sheryl Smith

Ward II Council Seat Candidates who did not respond to the Community Advisory Council’s questionnaire:

Shanetta Burris

Mark-Anthony Middleton

Ward lll Council Seat Candidates who did not respond to the Community Advisory Council’s questionnaire:

Durant Long

Mayoral Candidates who did not respond to the Community Advisory Council’s questionnaire:

Anjanée Bell

Pablo Friedmann

Rafiq Zaidi

Meet the Newest Members of Aging Well Durham – Chelsea Hawkins, Livability Program Coordinator

Aug 19, 2025

“Chelsea is the most hilarious person on a Zoom call, EVER.” Sam Peterson. In an effort to get to know her, AWD asked our new Livability Program Coordinator some questions. Here are her answers: Where are you from, and did your hometown/upbringing influence your work choices?I am from Kinston, NC. Sports and athletics have a […]

Meet the Newest Members of Aging Well Durham – Chelsea Hawkins, Livability Program Coordinator

August 19, 2025 by Sam Peterson

“Chelsea is the most hilarious person on a Zoom call, EVER.” Sam Peterson. In an effort to get to know her, AWD asked our new Livability Program Coordinator some questions. Here are her answers:

Where are you from, and did your hometown/upbringing influence your work choices?
I am from Kinston, NC. Sports and athletics have a large impact in our city. Physical activity and healthy living have been important to me which led me to study Exercise Science and Public Health in my
academic career.

Where have you worked and what’s your main interest?
I have worked in research within the federal and university sectors and I have worked as a Health
Educator within a hospital system. My interest areas include health promotion and health education. I
enjoy learning and teaching others how to live healthier lifestyles at different stages of life to promote
longevity and prevent illnesses.

What’s your go-to comfort thing? Food, activity?
I have a number of hobbies depending on the day. I love enjoying a delicious meal, going to the gym or
an exercise class, or watching an interesting TV series or documentary. My most recent hobby is tending
to my vegetable garden. I’ve also been learning to enjoy the beauty of rest and stillness to be able to
pour from a full cup.

To contact Chelsea:

If you Want to learn about or join the Durham Adult Protective Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), learn more or collaborate with AWD to support the Aging Plan’s goals for the Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation and Older Adult Hunger domains contact Chelsea at chelsea@agingwelldurham.org

Keeping in Step: Joan Pelletier Reflects on 30+ Years of Aging Advocacy

Aug 18, 2025

"Joan Pelletier is dedicated to improving the quality of life for older adults. Over the past 40 years she has served in a number of roles, including Meals on Wheels Coordinator with the Durham County Department of Social Services, Aging Program Administrator with the Triangle J Area Agency on Aging, Executive Director for the Coordinating Council for Senior Citizens, and Director of the Triangle J Area Agency on Aging. Joan was very important in the development of Durham’s 2020-2025 Aging Plan. She played an instrumental role in the development of a new organization, Aging Well Durham (AWD), which manages the Durham Comprehensive Aging Plan. She is still supporting AWD and the Aging Plan by remaining available to answer questions. Joan never worries about taking credit for anything she does but remains focused on community collaboration to make life better for others." Shelisa Howard-Martinez... Read More →

Keeping in Step: Joan Pelletier Reflects on 30+ Years of Aging Advocacy

August 18, 2025 by Sam Peterson

Aging Advocate in Durham & Regionally

Joan Pellettier is a long-term advocate for older adults in Durham – and
across our region. In this interview with Shelisa, Aging Well Durham’s
Executive Director, Joan describes the beginning of her journey working
in a disability network to her time leading the Durham Partnership for
Seniors and the Area Agency on Aging. During her tenure, the City of
Durham and Durham County joined the Age-friendly Network of States
and Communities. Joan also describes her proudest accomplishments
and her views about how aging in Durham has changed over the last 30
years.

Joan was also just honored as the Volunteer of the Week with the Triangle Non-Profit Volunteer and Leadership Center. To read about her achievement, click this sentence.

The Interview:

Describe how you began working in Durham with aging adults.

“It is not insignificant that I was raised by my mother and grandmother. I came to Durham in ’69 to go to college (Duke) and decided that I liked Durham so much that I wanted to stay. My first job out of college was in the disability network. I received a Master’s in Career Counseling from NCCU. Contacts in the disability service community naturally extended to contacts in the aging community.

I became aware of the position of Coordinator of the relatively new Meals on Wheels (MoW) program and was fortunate enough to be hired. It was a joint position with Durham Congregations in Action and the Durham County Department of Social Services- giving me exposure to both the private and public aging service delivery systems.

Eventually I began working part-time with both MoW and as an aging program monitor with the Triangle J Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging. I learned a great deal about regional and state issues and players, service standards, community engagement and strategic planning. Then I was hired as ED of the (Coordinating) Council for Senior Citizens in 1990 and stayed until 2003. Retired as Director of the Area Agency on Aging in 2015.”

How do you think aging in Durham has changed over the last 30 years? What are some positives you see? What are some challenges that this community still has?

“I believe that the implications of a growing aging population have risen in the consciousness of the community. The informal and formal systems that support older adults seem to be better coordinated. The city and county have demonstrated a commitment to support its senior population, but breadth and quality of resources are still limited. Of note is that many issues cited in the first County Aging Plan* are like the most current.

What also remains lacking is the will of individuals to acknowledge the significance of their own aging. (I am no exception here.) There are too many of us who have not fully considered what we will need as we age, learned of community resources, or put a plan in place.”

Could you describe your involvement with the Durham Partnership for Seniors and the Durham Aging Plan?

“‘Keeping In Step’ was the initial committee endorsed by the County Commission (as requested in the first plan ~1990) to move forward with implementation of that aging plan. I’m afraid I don’t recall when that group became the Partnership for Seniors. But I think it occurred in relation to expectations of the Division of Aging and Adult Services and United Way to become a more broadly understood and responsive county aging planning and coordinating committee.

I was integrally involved with the development of the first Plan and served on the Partnership for Seniors from its inception through several years after my retirement, at times I was chair. The group fulfilled responsibilities regarding public/private partnerships, fostered program development, assured that Older Americans Act funds were effectively utilized in Durham and United Way initiatives related to aging were fulfilled, and that there was a comprehensive system of information and referral.

The group also worked to implement goals of the Keeping in Step Plan. Perhaps foremost was the complex and lengthy work of planning and development of a free-standing senior center in Durham. Of course, the plan needed to be updated periodically.”

What are some highlights of your work with Durham Partnership for Seniors and other collaborations?

“Many community organizations and citizens served on the Partnership. It was wonderful to see them team up to support each other and evolve new initiatives to better serve Durham’s aging community. The group presented itself as a ‘united front’ with funding sources, offering support for members to receive funding. In other words, there was collaboration rather than competition. That evolved into a stronger system for older adults and those with disabilities.

Not as successful was the challenge of implementing an automated, up-to-date, system of information and referral. (The effort was called Community Resource Connection. It was an outgrowth of the Partnership and got more into the nitty-gritty of safely sharing client info for the purpose of seamless service delivery.)”

AWD Board Member and Executive Director of Senior PharmAssist Gina Upchurch and AWD Honoree Joan Pelletier

What are you most proud about your career/leadership in Durham?

“My involvement with the development of Senior PharmAssist and its link with Durham Foundation for Better Health.

The fact that the Council for Senior Citizens achieved Senior Center of Excellence certification from the Division of Aging and Adult Services.

The fact that I was deeply engaged with the construction of Durham’s first free standing senior center.

The ongoing viability of the Partnership for Seniors and its many accomplishments, including strong collaborations, the city/county senior livability engagement (with AARP) and strong planning efforts.

That I was able to encourage, mentor and support many individuals around their ambitions and work to improve the lives of older adults in Durham and more broadly.”

What do you think Durham needs to do to become age-friendly and more livable?

“There needs to be a more holistic and comprehensive system of information and services that is easily understood and readily available. There are too many waitlists and service limitations. Sadly, this may not be possible with limited funding.”

Any encouraging words you want to share with aging adults who live in Durham?

“There are many caring and knowledgeable individuals and agencies prepared to assist you with your needs. Be proactive. Become engaged with your community.

How about some encouraging words you want to share with individuals who are working to support healthy aging in Durham?

You are doing good work and making a difference. Take heart from both small and large successes.”

Anything else you want to be included in this interview?

“I have come to believe that the strategic planning process is an end in and of itself. I used to be frustrated by the fact that the same issues came up in every plan (e.g. health access, transportation, housing, etc.). Was the community making no progress? Now I see the process as a way of reinforcing, with all those engaged and impacted, the fact that these things remain important and MUST NOT be forgotten. They can always be improved.”

*The first Aging Plan was created in 1990-1991.

JOAN PELLETIER: Born in New York and raised in Oregon, Joan came to Durham in 1969. She received a BA from Duke University and a MA from North Carolina Central University. She retired as Director of the Triangle J Council of Governments’ (now Central Pines Regional Council) Area Agency on Aging, which covers a seven-county area. She was a member of many state and local aging-related committees, including the North Carolina Study Commission on Aging.

Joan is also a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian honor awarded by the Governor of North Carolina to individuals who make significant contributions to the state.

The Last Announcement

Aug 13, 2025

The Last Announcement

August 13, 2025 by chris

Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Duis porttitor mi quis tortor pulvinar, id sagittis massa posuere. Curabitur quis nulla tempor, semper nulla vel, elementum augue. Vestibulum fringilla augue nisi, id condimentum risus egestas vel. Aliquam aliquet ligula a convallis placerat. Integer fringilla euismod consequat. Nulla efficitur lacus orci, vel molestie orci pellentesque non. Mauris ex orci, mattis sed venenatis vel, ultricies id elit. Orci varius natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Sed sodales elementum rhoncus. Curabitur laoreet vel augue ut pretium. Fusce placerat, nisi id bibendum porttitor, metus libero hendrerit orci, a pharetra lorem metus at ex.

Here’s Another Article

Aug 13, 2025

Here’s Another Article

August 13, 2025 by chris

Fusce pharetra metus eu nisl fermentum, non euismod nulla auctor. Phasellus quis nisi nec sapien dignissim porta a vel lorem. Pellentesque tempor vel justo id maximus. Donec rhoncus, urna vitae sodales finibus, eros quam suscipit ligula, ac bibendum magna turpis ut purus. Curabitur aliquam enim ut lorem maximus, eu fringilla nisi facilisis. Cras porttitor, nisi eget efficitur faucibus, magna orci semper dolor, at molestie dui neque id nisi. Etiam faucibus, ligula id feugiat blandit, felis leo scelerisque mi, venenatis rutrum leo ligula ut est. Vestibulum vel eros bibendum, varius quam eget, blandit mauris.

Vivamus convallis, lorem venenatis ullamcorper scelerisque, justo nibh ullamcorper felis, et interdum nibh nisi a sem. Etiam dignissim, tellus tincidunt pellentesque dignissim, orci nulla dignissim eros, id placerat nisi est et massa. Nam vel vehicula elit. Phasellus nisl elit, dictum at tortor sed, convallis sollicitudin nils. Aliquam enim sapien, sagittis et porta sodales, aliquet a nunc. Curabitur euismod ut enim quis pharetra. Duis suscipit orci enim, ut porta mauris sodales at. Quisque et scelerisque turpis.

Aging Well Durham Article #1

Aug 13, 2025

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Mauris dictum diam vitae porttitor varius. Integer sed dictum est. Maecenas tincidunt erat nibh, vel maximus ligula tempor nec. Pellentesque facilisis sapiens nisl, ut scelerisque lectus tristique et. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam lacus elit, iaculis ac erat in, commodo consequat nibh. Curabitur […]

Aging Well Durham Article #1

August 13, 2025 by chris

Aliquam sit amet felis quis orci efficitur feugiat. Phasellus justo lectus, dapibus et suscipit vitae, aliquet ut risus. Curabitur vitae lacus ex. Suspendisse potenti. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Phasellus egestas lorem sed enim laoreet, ut vulputate nulla iaculis. Aliquam convallis lobortis euismod. Fusce pharetra metus eu nisl fermentum, non euismod nulla auctor. Phasellus quis nisi nec sapien dignissim porta a vel lorem. Pellentesque tempor vel justo id maximus. Donec rhoncus, urna vitae sodales finibus, eros quam suscipit ligula, ac bibendum magna turpis ut purus. Curabitur aliquam enim ut lorem maximus, eu fringilla nisi facilisis. Cras porttitor, nisi eget efficitur faucibus, magna orci semper dolor, at molestie dui neque id nisi. Etiam faucibus, ligula id feugiat blandit, felis leo scelerisque mi, venenatis rutrum leo ligula ut est. Vestibulum vel eros bibendum, varius quam eget, blandit mauris.

News

Candidates for This Year’s City Elections Share Their Visions for an Age-Friendly Durham

Footer

Contact Us

Partner