A Legacy of Love: How South Richmond Adult Day Care Center Began

By Carnell Lewis, Executive Director

As the Executive Director of South Richmond Adult Day Care Center (SRADCC), I am deeply honored to lead an organization that has been the heartbeat of our community for nearly five decades. Since 1975, SRADCC has stood as a beacon of compassion, dignity, and connection for older adults and families in South Richmond. Our journey, from past to present, is a testament to the resilience, love, and unwavering community spirit that you, our community members, have shown.

Humble Beginnings: A Vision Rooted in Faith Our story starts with the visionary of former Major Dr. Dwight C. Jones, who recognized a critical gap in care for South Richmond’s aging population. In 1975, fueled by faith and a commitment to service, he founded SRADCC at First Baptist Church and Rector Edwards from St. Stephens Episcopal Church. What began as a small initiative to provide daytime support for seniors quickly became a lifeline for families. Dr. Jones’s and Rector Edwards's belief that “every individual deserves to age with grace and purpose” became our guiding star.

The Journey: Growing With Our Community Over the years, SRADCC has evolved, but our core mission remains unchanged. From our humble church beginnings, we’ve expanded to a dedicated facility offering therapeutic activities, and social engagement. We’ve weathered challenges—limited funding and the stigma around adult day care—but each obstacle only strengthened our resolve.

One of my proudest moments is seeing generations of families return to us, trusting us with their loved ones just as their parents did. Our participants aren’t just clients; they’re family. Whether it’s Ms. Evelyn’s laughter during art class or Mr. James' proud sharing of war stories these moments remind me why we exist.

Why We Matter: More Than Just a Daycare SRADCC isn’t just a place to spend the day—it’s a lifeline. For many seniors, we’re their primary source of socialization, health monitoring, and mental stimulation. For caregivers, we offer respite and peace of mind. Last year alone, we provided over 15,000 hours of care, hosted 30+ wellness workshops, and partnered with local health providers to offer free screenings. This is all thanks to your support and the impact is something we can all be proud of.

But our impact goes deeper. We’ve reunited isolated seniors with their passions, whether through gardening clubs, music therapy, or intergenerational programs with local schools. When Mr. Thompson, a retired teacher, started tutoring again through our partnership, he said, “I finally feel like myself.” That’s the power of community.

Looking Ahead: Building a Future of Inclusion As we approach our 50th anniversary, SRADCC is poised for an exciting new chapter. Here’s where we’re headed:

• Embracing Technology: Launching virtual programs to reach homebound seniors.
• Expanding Access: Advocating for equitable elder care in underserved neighborhoods.
• Innovating Care: Integrating dementia-friendly spaces and trauma-informed staff training.

But none of this happens alone. We’re rallying partnerships with local businesses, faith groups, and YOU—our neighbors—to ensure no senior is left behind. Your involvement is crucial in shaping our future initiatives, and we invite you to be part of this collective effort.

How You Can Help: Be Part of the Story SRADCC’s legacy is a testament to community—ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Here’s how you can join us:

1. Volunteer: Share your skills, from teaching a craft class to helping with tech support.
2. Donate: Every dollar fuels meals, activities, and scholarships for low-income families.
3. Spread the Word: Follow us on social media or visit South Richmond ADCC to stay connected.

Closing Thoughts Dr. Jones once said, “A community’s strength is measured by how it cares for its most vulnerable.” At SRADCC, we’ve seen that strength firsthand. As Executive Director, I’m inspired daily by the courage of our participants, the dedication of our staff, and the generosity of supporters like you. Together, we’re not just preserving history but building a future where every senior thrives.

Thank you for believing in us. Here’s to the next 50 years!

With gratitude, Carnell Lewis, Executive Director, South Richmond Adult Day Care Center