ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The city is asking residents who can sing, dance, play an instrument, tell stories or run craft sessions to bring their talents to a weekday program that serves older adults who need daytime supervision and support.
What the center offers and who it serves
The Adult Day Services Center operates out of the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St., offering a full weekday program for adults 55 and older who either need extra help during the day or cannot safely remain home alone. The program runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and provides meals, medication administration and a range of physical, social and cognitive activities under clinical oversight.
A registered nurse staffs the site and the activity team includes an activity director and three therapeutic recreation leaders. Fees are adjusted according to income, and transportation is available for participants. The center says it welcomes people living with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and offers ways for them to take part socially.
How volunteers fit in
City officials say volunteers play a key role in keeping participants connected to the community. Performance slots are available during the program’s midmorning and early-afternoon sessions, and volunteers can sign up to entertain or help with ongoing activities.
"Take the stage and show off your skills,"
The center’s recruitment materials list singing, dancing, painting, crafts, storytelling and musical instruments among desired talents and note openness to other offerings. The minimum volunteer age is 14, making this one of the few city volunteer opportunities accessible to high school students seeking community service hours.
- Performance roles: 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. presentation slots for music, dance, storytelling and demonstrations.
- Program support: assisting at meals, leading arts-and-crafts, staffing themed events and accompanying participants on local outings.
- Companionship: sitting with participants, conversing and helping engage them in social activities.
Caregiver respite and intake process
Besides offering activities for participants, the program serves as a respite resource for family caregivers by providing several hours during which trained staff assume hands-on responsibility. The program director and the on-site nurse meet with each applicant before enrollment to assess needs and eligibility.
Volunteer sign-up requires basic contact information, a description of the talent being offered and availability by day and time. The city’s flyer lists the two regular performance slots and indicates flexibility for other volunteer contributions during the program day.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria |
| Hours | 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday |
| Participant age | 55 and older |
| Minimum volunteer age | 14 |
City organizers describe volunteers as vital to maintaining a lively, engaged atmosphere and say the program benefits from a mix of recurring helpers and one-time performers. Volunteers also participate in field trips to local events — past outings include visits to ballgames, ballets and fire stations — where they accompany participants and assist staff.
For Alexandrians interested in volunteering, the first step is completing the center’s interest form, which asks for a name, contact information, talent description and availability. The form is intended to help the center coordinate schedules and match volunteers with suitable activities during weekday hours.
As the Lee Center continues to serve as a hub for older residents and their caregivers, city leaders are emphasizing community involvement to broaden program offerings and ensure participants remain socially engaged. With a low-age threshold for volunteers, the center aims to connect younger residents with older neighbors through shared activities and performances.
Residents who want more information or who wish to sign up should contact the Adult Day Services Center at the Lee Center for details about volunteer slots, requirements and scheduling.
