Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL)

What Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) does

The Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) is a District of Columbia government agency, founded in 1975 and currently operating under Mayor Muriel Bowser's administration, that administers aging and disability services for DC residents. DACL serves three primary populations: seniors aged 60 and older, adults aged 18 and older living with physical or other disabilities, and their family caregivers. Service delivery uses a hybrid model combining agency-operated facilities (8 Senior Wellness Centers spanning all 8 wards), community partner organizations (a network of 20+ Lead Agencies including IONA Senior Services, Seabury Resources for Aging, East River Family Strengthening Collaborative, and Terrific Inc.), and direct-service programs such as home-delivered meals and in-home modifications. Multilingual outreach is provided in English, Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, French, Korean, and Vietnamese.

The agency's service portfolio spans more than 40 free or low-cost programs organized around core lines: nutrition (40+ community dining sites, home-delivered meals having served 44,515 residents), transportation (Senior MedExpress medical transportation with 60,000+ rides since 2016, ConnectorCard serving 8,633 residents, WMATA reduced-fare partnerships), home safety (Safe at Home modifications to 8,096 homes, including handrails, grab bars, bathtub cuts, shower seats, and stair lifts), caregiver support (DC Caregivers Institute, respite, support groups), benefits enrollment assistance (Medicaid, SNAP, HCBS waivers, QMB), legal services, LGBTQ-inclusive programming (Silver Circles, Out & About), Adult Protective Services with 24/7 hotline, case management, and the EPD Waiver and Community Transition programs. DACL does not build proprietary technology products; its infrastructure consists of a DC.gov-hosted information portal at dacl.dc.gov, a monthly "Live Boldly" newsletter, and traditional phone/walk-in intake via the Aging and Disability Resource Center at (202) 724-5626.

DACL is funded exclusively through DC government appropriations and operates as a cabinet-level municipal department under Director Charon P.W. Hines, who is appointed by the Mayor. The agency holds no equity instruments, accepts no private capital, and generates no commercial revenue; funding flows through the annual DC budget process with budget and performance oversight hearings conducted by the DC Council. Geographic scope is restricted to District of Columbia residents meeting eligibility criteria, and the agency is not an investable commercial entity.

Name

Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL)

Legal name

Department of Aging and Community Living

Website

https://dacl.dc.gov

Company type

Public

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) is a District of Columbia government agency delivering more than 40 free aging and disability programs—including nutrition, transportation, home modifications, caregiver support, and protective services—to DC seniors, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aging and Disability Social Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Home Health Care Services (8082)

akta.pro primary industry

Elder Services & Aging Support (BPAGAEAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Adult Day Respite Programs (Daytime Relief) (HLADAKAC), Dementia & Alzheimer’s Respite Care (HSABAGAF)

Keywords

• Aging services
• Senior wellness
• Disability services
• Caregiver support
• Community nutrition

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Appropriation: DACL is a District of Columbia government agency funded through annual government appropriations and operates as part of the DC government structure under Mayor Muriel Bowser's administration.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

DACL delivers free or low-cost aging and disability programs for District of Columbia residents, including senior wellness programming at 8 Senior Wellness Centers, community dining and home-delivered meals, medical and ground transportation, home safety modifications, caregiver support and respite, benefits enrollment assistance, case management, the EPD Waiver program, Adult Protective Services, and LGBTQ-specific programming for older adults. The agency serves District residents 60+, adults with disabilities 18+, and their caregivers through direct service delivery and a network of 20+ community-based partner organizations.

Product overview

DACL is a DC government agency offering more than 40 free or low-cost programs through a network of over 20 community-based organizations. The agency provides a comprehensive suite of aging and disability services organized around core offerings including Senior Centers, Nutrition Services (community dining and home-delivered meals), LGBTQ Programs, Transportation Services (Senior MedExpress and ConnectorCard), Villages Program, Adult Protective Services, Safe at Home home modifications, Alzheimer's Disease Support, Benefits Assistance, Caregiver Programs, Case Management, Community Transition Program, EPD Waiver, Health Insurance Counseling (SHIP), Information & Referral/Assistance, Lead Agencies, Legal Services, QMB Program, and Volunteer Opportunities. The services serve District residents 60 and older, adults with disabilities, and caregivers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Live Boldly Newsletter: Free monthly newsletter published by DACL featuring senior resources, events, and community information
• Red, White, and You

Products and services

• Senior Wellness Centers Wellness centers across DC's eight wards offering daily activities, group lunches, exercise equipment, computer labs, and social programs for District seniors.
• Nutrition Services Community dining sites across all eight wards, home-delivered meals for seniors 60+, and individualized nutrition counseling and education programs.
• LGBTQ Programs Specialized wellness programs, community events, and peer support groups for LGBTQ older adults and adults with disabilities.
• Transportation Services Senior MedExpress medical transportation, ConnectorCard cost-share program for ground transportation, and partnerships with WMATA for reduced fares.
• Villages Program Neighborhood-based nonprofit membership organizations offering volunteer services including rides, prescription pickups, handyman repairs, and social activities to help seniors age in place.
• Adult Protective Services Protection services for vulnerable adults from physical, financial, or emotional abuse, neglect, and self-neglect with 24/7 hotline at (202) 541-3950.
• Safe at Home Program Free in-home preventative adaptations including handrails, grab bars, bathtub cuts, shower seats, and stair lifts for qualifying seniors 60+ and adults with disabilities with income at or below 100% Area Median Income.
• Alzheimer's Disease Supportive Services Program Training for providers to identify District residents with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia and link them to culturally competent, person-centered home and community-based services.
• Benefits Assistance Assistance applying for Medicaid, SNAP, and Home and Community Based Waivers for low-income seniors and people with disabilities.
• Caregiver Programs Support for unpaid caregivers including respite programs, support groups, educational programs, and case management through the DC Caregivers Institute.
• Case Management Coordination services helping seniors and adults with disabilities connect to community supports, benefits, and resources.
• Community Transition Program Guidance for transitioning from nursing homes to community living, including coordination with facilities in DC, MD, and VA.
• EPD Waiver Program Elderly and Persons with Physical Disabilities Waiver allowing DC residents to receive services while living at home or in assisted living communities.
• Health Insurance Counseling (SHIP) Free Medicare counseling, assistance with prescription medications, and help resolving unpaid medical bills through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
• Information & Referral/Assistance (I&RA) DACL's intake assessment and referral unit for programs in health education and social services, accessible via phone (202-724-5626) and email.
• Lead Agencies Neighborhood-based resource centers across DC's eight wards connecting residents to DACL services.
• Legal Services for Seniors Legal advice and guidance for seniors living in the District of Columbia.
• Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB) Program Program helping qualified Medicare beneficiaries with Medicare cost-sharing.
• Volunteer Opportunities Citywide volunteer opportunities for District seniors and adults with disabilities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 60,000 medical transportation rides provided to 10,426 seniors since 2016
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• IONA Senior ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIONA Senior Services is a key partner providing Alzheimer's support programs, community dining sites, LGBTQ programming (Silver Circles), and dementia navigator services. IONA operates Senior Services Resource Guide for DC metropolitan area and provides case management and caregiver support.
• East River Family Strengthening Collaborative (ERFSC)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLead Agency serving Wards 1, 7, and 8, providing comprehensive social and health services as community satellites. ERFSC connects seniors to transportation, nutrition, counseling, education, case management, and social services.
• Seabury Resources for AgingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLead Agency providing aging services in Wards 5 and 6, including Out & About LGBTQ programming, Model Cities Senior Wellness Center operations, and senior resource navigation.
• Terrific Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLead Agency serving Ward 2 and providing community-based aging services across multiple wards.
• DC Center for the LGBT CommunitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides social and educational opportunities for LGBTQ seniors including weekly conversation groups, monthly lunches, outings, and community-building events.
• Capitol Hill VillagecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit serving older adults in Capitol Hill and surrounding neighborhoods through LGBTQ intergenerational programming, support groups, and social/educational events.
• Whitman-Walker HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides Silver Circles - peer-led LGBTQ support groups for adults 60+ - in partnership with IONA Senior Services.
• DC Yellow Cab / Senior MedExpresscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProvides free round-trip medical transportation for eligible DC seniors 60+ to essential medical appointments including chemotherapy, dialysis, and health-related public benefits.
• Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProvides reduced fares and paratransit service for seniors and people with disabilities through Metro's Reduced-Fare Programs.
• DC Caregivers Institute (DCCI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrepares caregivers with problem-solving skills, coping strategies, and practical daily skills. Part of Home Care Partners network providing caregiver training and assistance.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Seabury Resources for Aging: DC-based nonprofit operating the Model Cities Senior Wellness Center and providing aging services in Wards 5 and 6. Direct DACL partner with overlapping service offerings and beneficiary populations.
• IONA Senior Services: DC-based nonprofit providing senior services including Alzheimer's support, case management, and LGBTQ programming (Silver Circles). Direct partner of DACL serving overlapping senior populations in the District.
• Philadelphia Corporation for Aging: Philadelphia's designated Area Agency on Aging providing comparable services including senior centers, home care, caregiver support, and protective services. Highly comparable in service portfolio and urban municipal structure.
• Boston Age Strong Commission: Boston's city-level aging services department providing wellness programs, transportation, and senior center operations. Comparable as a municipal agency serving urban seniors with multi-service offerings.
• NYC Department for the Aging: New York City's municipal aging services agency offering senior centers, transportation, home-delivered meals, and case management. Most direct functional analog to DACL as a large city-level government agency serving seniors and adults with disabilities.
• Chicago Department of Family & Support Services Chicago Department of Family and Support Services: Chicago's municipal human services department which includes senior services among its portfolio. Comparable in being a city government entity providing aging services to a major urban population.

Broad incumbents

• AARP: National nonprofit advocacy and services organization for adults 50+ providing policy advocacy, information resources, and community programs. Operates broadly in the aging services space with overlapping beneficiary focus.
• National Council on Aging: National nonprofit working to improve the lives of older adults through community partnerships, evidence-based programs, and policy advocacy. Comparable in addressing aging services delivery at a national scale.
• Meals on Wheels America: National organization supporting a network of programs delivering home-delivered meals to seniors. Comparable to DACL's home-delivered meals and community dining programs but operating nationally with affiliated local programs.

Regional players

• Maryland Department of Aging: State-level aging department serving Maryland including DC metropolitan suburbs. Comparable service offerings but at state level with broader geographic scope overlapping with DACL's service area.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/DACL_DC
• Facebookfacebook.com/64808889183
• Instagraminstagram.com/dacl_dc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/department-of-aging-and-community-living

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL)