Winston-Salem Volunteer Receives AARP Andrus Award
A 95-year-old Winston-Salem volunteer has earned a prestigious AARP award for his dedicated home repair service.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Home Repair
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The AARP North Carolina recently honored 95-year-old John Woodmansee with the Andrus Award for his extensive volunteer work. He has completed over 2,600 home repairs for older adults since 2015.
Why it matters
Woodmansee's work helps elderly residents maintain their independence by ensuring their living environments remain safe and functional. His efforts highlight the impact of community-led programs in supporting aging populations.
John Woodmansee contributes several hours of labor six days a week to complete home repairs. The 95-year-old has surpassed a career total of 2,600 repair projects.
The players
John Woodmansee
A 95-year-old volunteer who has dedicated years to performing home repairs for older adults in the Winston-Salem area.
AARP North Carolina
The state branch of a national advocacy organization that works to improve the quality of life for people as they age.
Shepherd's Center of Greater Winston-Salem
A local non-profit organization that provides services to older adults to help them age in place safely.
The details
Woodmansee provides essential repair services through the Shepherd's Center of Greater Winston-Salem. In addition to his own repair work, he serves as a mentor to new volunteers entering the program.
Timeline
John Woodmansee began volunteering with the Shepherd's Center in 2015.
He received the Andrus Award in October 2026.
Culture Shift
This recognition reflects a growing societal focus on aging in place initiatives, which emphasize maintaining senior independence through targeted home modifications. The trend moves away from institutional care by leveraging volunteer-based support networks to address physical housing barriers.
Residents of Winston-Salem can access these services through the Shepherd's Center if they need help maintaining a safe home environment. This highlights a local resource that directly assists older adults with necessary household repairs.
The takeaway
Volunteering offers a way to bridge generational gaps while providing essential support to the aging community. Dedicated service can create a lasting impact on both the recipients of care and the volunteers themselves.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to maintain housing standards in our Home Repair section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WXII.
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