On June 18th, 2026, the ACC Community Room was filled with laughter, stories, and smiles as more than 50 Senior Escort Program (SEP) participants, volunteers, staff, and community partners gathered to celebrate an incredible milestone: 5,000 completed walks.
While 5,000 is an impressive number, the celebration was about so much more than the walks themselves. Each walk represents a moment of connection, a conversation shared, a helping hand offered, and a reminder that no one has to navigate life alone.
Guests enjoyed lunch together, reminisced about favorite memories from the program, and stepped into a photo booth to capture the “little moments” that make the Senior Escort Program so special. The photos served as a meaningful reminder that sometimes it’s the simplest moments – a shared smile, a walk around the neighborhood, or a conversation between friends – that leave the greatest impact.
The Senior Escort Program was launched in 2022 in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate incidents targeting older adults. What began as a way to help seniors feel safer while walking in their neighborhoods, grocery shopping, or navigating medical appointments, has grown into a vibrant community built on trust, compassion, and friendship. Today, the program is open to all seniors, creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to build meaningful relationships while promoting safety, independence, and healthy aging.
Throughout the celebration, attendees reflected on the many friendships that have blossomed over the past several years. Volunteers have faithfully shown up week after week, generously giving their time to walk alongside participants through life’s everyday moments, both joyful and challenging. In return, participants have inspired volunteers with their resilience, wisdom, and kindness, reminding us all of the importance of staying connected as we age.
A moment shared during the celebration came from a story shared about a participant after an intergenerational walk with local eighth-grade students. The participant said, “I might not always be able to walk, but I’m always going to remember this moment.” Those words perfectly capture what the Senior Escort Program is all about. It’s not simply about reaching a destination. It’s about creating memories and relationships that last long after the walk is over.
ner who has helped make these first 5,000 walks possible. Together, we’ve built more than a program, we’ve built a community. And we can’t wait to see where the next 5,000 walks take us.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re also looking ahead. Every new volunteer, participant, and community partnership helps extend this circle of care to even more older adults. Whether it’s sharing the program with a friend, volunteering your time, or partnering with ACC to strengthen our community, each new connection helps write the next chapter of our story.
We’d like to thank every participant, volunteer, supporter, and partner who has helped make these first 5,000 walks possible. Together, we’ve built more than a program, we’ve built a community. And we can’t wait to see where the next 5,000 walks take us.
Ready to Help Us Take the Next Step?
The next 5,000 walks begin with one simple step—and that step could be yours.
Whether you’re looking to make a difference as a volunteer, seeking companionship and support as a participant, or investing in healthier, more connected communities through a charitable gift, there’s a place for you in the Senior Escort Program.
Every hour volunteered, every dollar donated, and every new participant welcomed helps reduce social isolation, promote healthy aging, and create meaningful connections that change lives.
Join us in ensuring that no older adult has to walk alone. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate community—one walk, one friendship, and one life at a time.
Become a volunteer. Enroll as a participant. Make a donation. Be part of the next 5,000 walks.
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