FAQ

Around Town DC, an initiative of Iona Senior Services, provides free programs to everyone 60+ who lives in DC.  We have both virtual and in-person programs that promote physical health, social connectedness, resource education, and overall wellness.

To participate in Around Town DC classes, the first step is to create an account.

Once your account is set up, you’re welcome to attend any in-person or virtual programs that interest you—unless they are marked as “FULL.” Currently, registration is not required for recurring classes. However, for special events, please click the registration button at the bottom of the event listing to sign up.

To join virtual classes, you can find all Zoom links on the “Virtual Program Links” page, which will appear as a drop-down menu under “My Account” (top right of screen) after you’ve created your account. After August 4th, this page will move behind a login wall.

For in-person classes, please check the class descriptions for any required materials or supplies.

For more details, go to the How to Participate page.

Around Town DC offers a wide variety of free fitness and recreational/social programs for DC residents aged 60 and older. Whether you’re interested in gentle chair yoga, Zumba dance, tai chi, or mindfulness meditation, there’s something for everyone to stay active.

To have fun and stay connected, you can also try an in-person painting class, join virtual sessions on topics like African American artists via Zoom, or learn how to get the most out of your smartphone.

Be sure to check out our calendar for the full list of programs.

What we don’t list is health and social services. If you’re looking for affordable housing, transportation, nutritional counseling, case management, or other health and social services, Around Town DC is not the best tool for you. Instead, we recommend contacting Iona Senior Services, a local nonprofit with 40+ years of experience (and the organization behind Around Town DC). Staffed by compassionate and knowledgeable social workers and nurses, Iona’s team can answer your questions and make referrals to the services you need, whether at Iona or elsewhere. To get started, contact Iona’s Helpline at 202-895-9448 or info@iona.org. The Helpline is available every weekday from 9am – 5pm. Iona strives to answer all emails and calls within one business day.

To see real-time ATDC updates, like class cancellations or re-locations, please visit the ATDC Updates page of this website.

Sign up for our newsletter where we’ll send information on upcoming programs and other happenings. By joining Around Town DC’s newsletter, you are also giving permission to the nonprofit Iona Senior Services (which manages Around Town DC) to send you their eNews.

Great question! Around Town DC is a program operated by Iona Senior Services, a nonprofit organization that has supported older adults, their families, and caregivers in Washington, DC for over 50 years. Through initiatives like Around Town DC, Iona promotes wellness, connection, and meaningful engagement for adults and those who care for them across the city.
Click here to learn more about Iona’s full range of programs, services, and volunteer opportunities.

No, a doctor’s note is not required. However, we encourage you to consult with your health care provider to ensure that participation is appropriate for you. By creating an account, you agree to the liability waivers, which state that Iona and our fitness partner, SPIRIT, are not liable for any injuries that may occur during participation.

A great way to get help or have your questions answered is to call Iona Senior Services’ Helpline at 202-895-9448 or send an email to info@iona.org. A social worker will respond to your request and help figure out next steps. That service is available Monday-Friday from 9 am – 5 pm.

Programs are located in-person at DC Public Libraries and DPR Recreation Centers in Wards 2 and 3, at Iona Senior Services in Tenleytown, and virtually via Zoom.

Unlike other areas of the District, Wards 2 and 3 do not have brick-and-mortar senior wellness centers. Around Town DC was launched in 2019 to help fill that gap, which is why our programs are primarily focused in these wards for now.

Absolutely! While Around Town DC primarily features programs and activities that take place in Wards 2 and 3, our programs are for DC residents living in any Ward.

All of our programs are completely free of charge. To participate, you just need to be a DC resident aged 60 or older.

We appreciate your interest, but at this time, there is no option to pay to participate if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria. Our program is funded by the DC Department of Aging and Community Living, which limits participation to DC residents aged 60 and older. We thank you for your understanding.

While some classes provide community supplies, we encourage participants to bring their own supplies and equipment, and you can find specific supply or equipment needs in individual class descriptions. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at community@iona.org or 202-459-9634.

Around Town DC follows the inclement weather delays and closures of the DC Department of Aging and Community Living.

Around Town DC Rules and Regulations

These Rules and Regulations apply to anyone (staff members, participants, etc.) at any time while participating in Around Town DC (ATDC) programs.

The infractions below are not all-inclusive. The steps of progressive discipline applied to violations of the Rules and Regulations include one or more of the following: verbal counseling, writing warning, suspension, and discharge. The appropriate steps depend on the nature and severity of the violation. Direct impact on member and staff safety may result in a higher level of discipline.  All criminal activity will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Violations

1. Single or chronic behaviors deemed by the Program Director to be inappropriate, rude, unprofessional, or disrespectful.
2. Harassing, abusive or coercive behavior, intimidating and/or bullying behavior.
3. In keeping with the organization’s zero-tolerance of workplace violence, any behavior considered by management to be threatening behavior.
4. Willful misuse, destruction, theft or damage to individuals or property.
5. Violation of safety policies and procedures or negligence, which results in personal injury, potential personal injury or damage to equipment.
6. Gambling on premises; unauthorized collections (including monies) and/or solicitations on the premises.
7. Theft, fraud or attempted theft or fraud.
8. Stating racial, ethnic, religious or sexual slurs to any individual.
9. Using vulgar language, loud conversations, abusive language and profanity in the presence of any individual.
10. Smoking anywhere within any of the buildings.
11. Fighting or attempting bodily injury or bodily harm to any individual.
12. Coming to a program under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any controlled substance, including marijuana, not prescribed by a physician; improper distribution or sale of any intoxicant or controlled substances. Refusal to leave a building at regularly scheduled closing time.
13. Vandalism or littering in any of the sites or on their grounds.
14. Lack of personal cleanliness and good hygiene.