For seven years Donna Powell has taught her neighbours' grandparents to use their phones — now her state is saying thank you

Donna Powell of Manchester, Connecticut, will receive the 2026 AARP Connecticut Andrus Award for Community Service, the organisation's highest volunteer honour for people over 50. For more than seven years she has volunteered with UR Community Cares, a nonprofit that helps older adults age in place with dignity. She has helped plan more than 125 free classes and community events, coached more than 300 older adults through digital-literacy lessons and walk-in tech support, and given more than 100 companion sessions to people facing isolation — patiently helping a neighbour open a health portal, video-call a grandchild, or simply feel less alone. 'Keeping people connected strengthens our communities and enriches lives,' Powell said. AARP will donate $3,000 to UR Community Cares in her honour.

SDG 10 · Reduced inequalities — Mechanism: individual leader