Montgomery County Senior Group Recognizes Susan M. Dolllins

The Grassroots Organization for the Wellbeing of Seniors (GROWS) recognized Sue Dollins, Executive Director of The Senior Connection of Montgomery County, with the first annual Humanitarian Award. The group asked the public to nominate an individual who service to Montgomery County’s older adults exemplies the highest level of care, commitment and dedication.  

From the start, almost 20 years ago in the empty room of a Silver Spring church, Sue has devoted herself to helping Montgomery County’s frail and elderly residents live as independently as possible. 

Sue oversees the provision of services which, last year, were valued at greater than $500,000 to 949 residents.  On an average week, she and her small staff dispatch 160 volunteers to perform tasks that allow the county’s seniors to age at home while feeling safe and connected to a wider community. 

Volunteers provide door-to-door rides to medical appointments, the grocery store, bank and pharmacy, and visit for conversation and companionship.  All of these services have been provided by The Senior Connection, at no cost to Montgomery County’s older adults.    

Now, as during the organization’s humble beginnings, when a small Faith In Action grant helped start ASSISST (Allied Silver Spring Interfaith Services for Seniors Today), Sue strives to bridge gaps left by professional service providers and family members. 

By bridging these gaps, Sue, her staff and volunteers help to enrich the community through the continued involvement of older adults in their neighborhoods.  And, that’s not to mention the societal savings reaped when, with a little help, an older adult can avoid institutionalization and instead can stay home.

Under Sue’s leadership, The Senior Connection was recognized by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as one of the top non-profits in the Washington, DC area in 2011-12 and in 2006-07. 

Sue Dollins is a trailblazer in improving the quality of life for senior citizens in Montgomery County.

 For more information or to volunteer contact:  The Senior Connection, 301-962-0820, www.seniorconnectionmc.org