October 2025

The Assisted Living wind-down is well underway, and our staff have been working diligently to ensure every resident finds housing that meets their needs for care and comfort. A key focus of this process has been equipping residents and their families with the information and resources needed for a smooth transition.

In September, the Assisted Living team hosted a Home Health Aide Fair, connecting both Assisted Living and Independent Living residents with ten home health agencies offering in-home care options. Next month, we’ll continue this support with an Assisted Living Housing Fair, featuring more than 20 organizations sharing information about a range of housing choices.

Also, residents recently had the opportunity to take our new community bus on guided tours of nearby senior communities—a valuable chance to explore potential next homes in person.

Our goal is to make this transition as thoughtful and seamless as possible, giving residents ample time and support to make the decisions that best fit their individual needs. Furthermore, transparency and accountability remain of paramount importance throughout this process, and we are committed to keeping our supporters informed every step of the way. Thank you for all that you do to support Culpepper Garden and the older adults that we serve. Your support matters, now more than ever!

Culpepper Garden has been awarded a FY 2026 Food Security Mini-Grant from the Arlington County Department of Human Services. Part of Arlington County’s Food Security Strategic Plan, these mini-grants are designed to help local non-profit organizations working in food security. Funding provided by this grant will support Culpepper Garden’s Nourish and Recovery Program to provide older adults returning from the hospital or a rehab stay with food vouchers to support them with hot meals during their recouperation. We are so grateful for this support that will further our mission to provide affordable housing, programs and services that allow older adults on fixed and very low incomes to thrive. 

The holidays are almost here and Culpepper Garden has many special events planned to bring joy to our residents. From sharing meals to thoughtful notes and gifts, your support ensures that everyone in our community feels valued and seen.


This Thanksgiving, we need your help to spread the spirit of gratitude.


Here are a few ways you can make a difference:

• Make a monetary donation to help us purchase food and supplies.
• Sponsor a meal ticket for a resident to attend our Thanksgiving Brunch.
• Volunteer your time to serve at our Thanksgiving or Holiday Brunch.
  

Your generosity helps create meaningful moment and lasting memories for those who need it most. For more information, contact Jasmin Witcher, VP of Development at jwitcher@culpeppergarden.org or call 703-528-0162, ext. 104.

For ten years, Carol has been a proud resident of Culpepper Garden — known for her boundless energy, her daily swims, and now… her new digital imagination. When she first heard about our Wednesday AI Class, she wasn’t sure what to expect. But just a few weeks in, Carol says she’s discovered a whole new way to tell stories and make art — all through simple “prompts” that bring her ideas to life.

Her favorite project so far? Creating original storybooks for her great-nephew and great-niece, complete with colorful illustrations that she designs herself using an AI art app. “It feels like magic,” she says with a laugh. “I just tell it what I imagine, and suddenly, there it is — my story on the screen.”

In a world that’s increasingly digital, mastering new technology helps older adults stay connected, curious, and creative. It’s not just about keeping up — it’s about opening doors to new ways of sharing, expressing, and discovering joy.