Partnership Enables Low-Income Seniors to Participate in Walk to End Alzheimer's®

Venture Out, a program targeting the crisis of social isolation among seniors in Northern Virginia, facilitated complimentary transportation to the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Manassas, VA for a well-prepared group from the Potomac Woods senior living community. Venture Out is part of the Reston-based Dulles Area Transportation Association's (DATA) suite of services, and it partnered with Communities Together, Inc. and A to Z Shuttle Service, to coordinate this successful outing.

On Saturday, October 11, senior residents from the Potomac Woods senior living community in Woodbridge, Va, participated in the walk following two months of preparation focused on improving their mobility, stability, and stamina.

The event fostered new friendships among participating Potomac Woods residents through shared experience and community engagement. Additionally, the physical activity enhanced morale and encouraged continued participation in wellness activities at Potomac Woods and through future community outings.

Partnership Highlights:

• Communities Together Inc. initiated the outing to promote social interaction, wellness, and independence for aging residents from Potomac Woods Senior Apartments
• A-to-Z Shuttle Services provided safe, comfortable, and accessible transportation to and from the event
• Participants were residents of Potomac Woods, an affordable senior living apartment community in Woodbridge, Virginia with volunteer chaperone Lydia Plummer-Alleyne escorting the group
• The Alzheimer's Association National Capital Chapter coordinated event logistics.

"We're pleased that participants found the experience so meaningful," said Ray Billings, CEO/President of DATA. "Venture Out was designed to connect seniors with community events and experiences that might otherwise be inaccessible, while fostering connections with their neighbors. The program aims to enhance quality of life and combat social isolation among older adults."

Launched on July 6, 2025, with a trip to a Washington Nationals baseball game, the Venture Out program provides complimentary transportation and companionship to older adults throughout Northern Virginia. From park visits and local festivals to museum outings and sporting events, the program helps seniors remain active and engaged in their communities.

"We're grateful to Sherwen White and the A-to-Z Shuttle Service team for their partnership" said Terri Lamb, DATA's Director of Programs. "Sherwen understands the vital importance of community connection and the impact of collaborative efforts to serve isolated seniors."

For more information about the Venture Out program or to become a DATA supporter, visit www.datatrans.org or contact DATA’s Director of Programs Terri Lamb at tlamb@datatrans.org.