Aging Forward Durham Celebrated Nationally for Volunteer Excellence
Henry Broadway: Honorary & Founding Board Member of Aging Forward Durham
Aging Forward Durham is proud to share an exciting milestone for our community.
One of our own has been officially recognized as part of the Aging Forward National Gallery of Volunteer Excellence, a national honor that highlights individuals whose dedication reflects the very best of volunteer powered service.
This recognition places Aging Forward Durham among organizations across the country that are building stronger, more connected communities through volunteer leadership.
A Moment of Recognition for a Growing Movement
This national acknowledgment is more than an award. It is a reflection of the work happening right here in North Durham.
From the very beginning, Aging Forward Durham has been built on a simple belief. Seniors who live independently should always have access to the healthcare they need. Transportation should never stand in the way of dignity, health, or independence.
Through the efforts of our volunteers, that belief has become a reality.
Since launching service in April 2025, we have:
Built a network of dedicated volunteer drivers
Served seniors living north of I 85 in Durham
Completed over 100 rides to medical and healthcare appointments
Created meaningful connections between neighbors
This national recognition highlights the heart behind those numbers. It celebrates the people who show up, offer their time, and help others move forward.
Honoring the Spirit of Volunteer Leadership
The Aging Forward Alliance shared this recognition across their national platform to highlight the incredible impact happening within local communities like ours.
They described this honor as a celebration of individuals whose dedication reflects the spirit of volunteer powered communities. That description could not be more fitting.
At Aging Forward Durham, our volunteers do more than provide transportation. They offer reassurance, companionship, and consistency. For many seniors, knowing someone will arrive to help them get to an important appointment brings peace of mind that extends far beyond the ride itself.
This is what volunteer leadership looks like in action.
Perfect Timing with National Volunteer Week
This recognition comes at a meaningful time as communities across the country prepare for National Volunteer Week.
National Volunteer Week is a chance to recognize the people who give their time and energy to support others. It is also an opportunity to invite new individuals into that work.
For Aging Forward Durham, it is a reminder that our mission continues to grow because people choose to get involved.
Whether it is one ride, one conversation, or one hour of time, every act of service contributes to something bigger.
A Community Effort That Continues to Grow
What began as a shared concern among local churches has become a growing network of support for seniors across North Durham.
We continue to see increased demand for transportation to medical appointments, and we are actively working to expand our reach. Each new volunteer driver allows us to serve more seniors. Each conversation helps spread awareness of what is possible.
This recognition from the Aging Forward Alliance reinforces what we already know. When a community comes together around a real need, meaningful change follows.
How You Can Be Part of This Story
As we celebrate this national recognition, we also look ahead.
There are still seniors in our community who need reliable transportation. There are still opportunities to build new connections and expand our impact.
You can be part of that work.
Know a senior who could benefit from our services? Reach out to us
Interested in becoming a volunteer driver? We would love to connect
Want to support the mission financially? Every contribution helps extend our reach
Looking to share this story with your organization or community group? We welcome the opportunity
You do not need a special background or training to make a difference. You simply need a willingness to help a neighbor get where they need to go.
Thank You for Moving This Mission Forward
We are deeply grateful to the Aging Forward Alliance for this recognition and for the opportunity to be part of a national movement focused on aging with dignity and independence.
Most importantly, we are grateful to the volunteers, supporters, and community members who make this work possible every day.
Together, we are driving independence, strengthening connections, and ensuring that seniors in North Durham have access to the care they need.
And this is just the beginning.