By: Vandana Jhingan

Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) joined hands with legislators, city officials, and advocates on May 28, 2025, in a powerful statewide push to protect the Older Americans Act (OAA)—a lifeline for thousands of seniors across Illinois.

At an advocacy event held in Naperville, MAFS welcomed Donna Wandke, Chief of Staff from the Office of Representative Janet Yang Rohr; DuPage County Board Member Sadia Covert; and Naperville City Council Member Ashfaq Sayed. MAFS Founder and Executive Director Dr. Santosh Kumar spoke passionately about the organization’s history and the critical role the OAA plays in sustaining its many programs. “Without OAA support, we would not be able to serve our seniors with the dignity and resources they deserve,” she said.
The event featured a moving video highlighting the impact of OAA-funded services across the state, alongside urgent data underscoring the consequences of potential funding cuts. Attendees participated in a spirited march carrying placards, banners, and American flags, chanting slogans such as “Protect Older Americans Act” and “Let seniors live with dignity.”

MAFS also took part in a broader advocacy session later in the day with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and AgeOptions CEO Diane Slezak. There, MAFS Grants Director Roshita Pandey delivered a compelling address about how OAA-funded programs are vital to helping immigrant seniors overcome cultural and language barriers, enabling them to age with dignity in a new homeland.
The campaign was part of the “Don’t Blow Out the Candles on Older Americans Act” initiative, with widespread support from AgeGuide and community leaders. As the future of the OAA remains uncertain, MAFS continues to urge the public to contact their legislators and support efforts to preserve senior services across Illinois.
For more information or to take action, visit: www.ageoptions.org/advocacy-alerts.