Welcome back to our #OlderNotOver interview series, which highlights the remarkable older people transforming lives through HelpAge USA’s Friendship Bench DC program! Inspired by the Friendship Bench model in Zimbabwe, this HelpAge USA initiative empowers older people to bridge gaps in mental health care by offering empathetic listening and problem-solving support to community members of all ages.
For Mary Akinadewo, life is a canvas, and every story shared is a stroke of color. A proud participant with Friendship Bench DC, Mary brings her unique perspective, warmth, and artistry to the community she loves—showing that age is no barrier to making a difference.
The Power of Storytelling
For Mary, life has always been about resilience. Growing up in a tight-knit family in South Carolina, she learned early on the importance of hard work and community.
“It was different. It wasn’t integrated back then,” Mary begins, reflecting on her upbringing. “My father was in the service and my mother raised eight kids, including me and my twin sister. There was always something going on, always something to take care of. Life was busy, but we found our way.”
Mary’s perspective is rooted in lessons from her mother, who remains her hero. “My mother taught me that if you want something in life, you have to work hard for it. And if you can help someone, it’s not always about money—it’s about sharing your story.”
After graduating high school at age 17, she joined the Job Corps and moved to Richmond, Virginia, where she met her husband. They soon relocated to Washington, DC, where they have been for the past 46 years “in the same place we first called home.”
For Mary, however, the transition wasn’t always easy. “It was lonely at first. I left my family and everything I knew. But I found my way by connecting with people who understood me, who didn’t think I was crazy for sharing my story.”
Finding Joy Through Art and Movement
Mary’s love for art has been a transformative force in her life. “Art is how I express how I feel inside,” she says.
Her vibrant paintings, which brighten Friendship Bench DC spaces like the SEED School of Washington, DC, reflect her emotions and joy.
“Art is about shifting your energy to create something meaningful,” she explains. “One of my favorite pieces is about joy—joy that comes from within and isn’t dependent on anyone else. You have to love yourself first.”
Her passion extends to dance, which she describes as a source of vitality. “If I can bring joy to someone’s face, I’ll do just that,” she says.
Involvement with Friendship Bench DC
For Mary, Friendship Bench DC is not just a program—it’s a family and a safe place for people to connect, share, and heal.
“When you open up and tell your story, you’re no longer hiding what’s inside,” Mary says. “It’s about you, your truth, and your courage to share. And when you start to share your story, you realize you’re not as alone as you think.”
Mary’s involvement with the Friendship Bench was inspired by the story of Dr. Dixon Chibanda, the program’s founder in Zimbabwe. “His story touched my heart,” she says. “And when [HelpAge USA CEO] Cindy came to the Bernice Fonteneau Senior Wellness Center, I knew I had to be a part of this. Friendship Bench is about listening, not judging, and showing empathy.”
Lessons and Legacy
Mary’s advice for anyone looking to make a difference is simple and heartfelt: “Share your story. If you’ve got free time, use it to help someone. There are so many people out there who are lonely. Sometimes just listening can make all the difference. We all need someone to listen to us.”
As Mary so beautifully puts it: “When you sit on that bench and share your story, you’re not just helping yourself—you’re helping someone else find their voice. And that’s a beautiful thing.”
Stay tuned for more inspiring profiles in our #OlderNotOver interview series, where we celebrate the voices of our Friendship Bench DC Grandparents who are making a difference every day.
Get Involved!
Learn more about Friendship Bench DC and how you can support our mission to empower communities through empathy and intergenerational connection
