Aging in Grace

In this episode, we sit down with Katie Martin, a leading food security expert and author, to unpack a hard truth: hunger in America is not a temporary crisis—it’s a chronic, policy-driven condition. We begin with the recent federal government shutdown and its real-world consequences, including the threat to SNAP benefits for more than 40 million Americans. From there, the conversation widens to e...

In this episode, we sit down with Katie Martin, a leading food security expert and author, to unpack a hard truth: hunger in America is not a temporary crisis—it’s a chronic, policy-driven condition. We begin with the recent federal government shutdown and its real-world consequences, including the threat to SNAP benefits for more than 40 million Americans. From there, the conversation widens to e...

In this special episode of Aging in Grace, we bring together three frontline Service Coordinators — Charneice Clap (NC), Jessica Harris (MD), and Samantha Culver (OH) — all founding members of the newly launched First Access Foundation. They share powerful, firsthand insight into the daily realities of supporting seniors living in independent, affordable housing communities. The conversation digs...

In this special episode of Aging in Grace, we bring together three frontline Service Coordinators — Charneice Clap (NC), Jessica Harris (MD), and Samantha Culver (OH) — all founding members of the newly launched First Access Foundation. They share powerful, firsthand insight into the daily realities of supporting seniors living in independent, affordable housing communities. The conversation digs...

In this episode, I sit down with Kate Cantwell, Executive Director at The New England Resident Service Coordinators association (NERSC), to explore the world of resident service coordinators -- the frontline workers supporting some of our most vulnerable communities. Kate shares her journey from public service to nonprofit leadership, the challenges coordinators face amid policy uncertainty, and t...

[This is Part Two of a two-part conversation. The first part can be found here: https://youtu.be/Le9A8BrWbn8]In this episode of Aging in Grace, Jessica Harris, Resident Services Program Development Coordinator at the Howard County Housing Commission in Maryland, speaks with host Ahmed Bouzid about the worsening food crisis affecting seniors amid the 2025 government shutdown and SNAP benefit cuts....

[This is Part one of a two-part conversation. The second part can be found here: https://youtu.be/yiLpbiTvm8I]In this episode of Aging in Grace, Jessica Harris, Resident Services Program Development Coordinator at the Howard County Housing Commission in Maryland, speaks with host Ahmed Bouzid about the worsening food crisis affecting seniors amid the 2025 government shutdown and SNAP benefit cuts....

This podcast episode features a conversation with Jibran Eubanks of 1199 SEIU, the largest healthcare union on the U.S. East Coast, representing over 10,000 members across Maryland and DC. Eubanks discusses the union’s dual role as both a healthcare and social justice organization, emphasizing two urgent advocacy priorities: safe staffing and fair wages in long-term care. He details the union’s wo...

In this inspiring episode, Tanya Smiley, a longtime Certified Service Coordinator in Menlo Park, California, shares how she built a thriving food-support network for low-income seniors living in a HUD-assisted community — right in the shadow of Silicon Valley’s wealth. Drawing on partnerships with Trader Joe’s, Second Harvest Food Bank, and local volunteers, Smiley has turned a food-shortage probl...

In this episode, we speak with Neil Richardson, interim coordinator of the DC Coalition on Long-Term Care, about the urgent challenges facing America’s caregiving system. With decades of policy experience in Washington, DC, Neil sheds light on the critical role of long-term care workers—essential yet underpaid professionals who help seniors and people with disabilities live with dignity. We explor...

In this episode, we sit down with Samantha Culver, Service Coordinator at Oak Hill Manor in Utica, Ohio. Samantha shares her journey from working with adults with developmental disabilities to becoming a dedicated advocate for seniors living in subsidized housing. She opens up about the challenges her community faces—especially around food insecurity and transportation—and how she’s built creative...

In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Elza, a national leader in aging, housing, and social innovation. From his early work tackling the social drivers of health to leading federal partnerships at HHS and HUD, Ryan has been at the forefront of reimagining how older adults and people with disabilities can live full, independent lives in their communities. We explore his journey through AARP, Volunt...

In this episode, we are joined by Melissa Harris, Director of Government Affairs at The American Association of Service Coordinators (AASC), for a deep dive into the critical but under-recognized role of service coordinators in affordable senior housing. Melissa shares her path from 15 years in journalism to advocating on Capitol Hill, where she works to secure funding and policy support for a pro...

In this deeply insightful episode of Aging in Grace, host Ahmed Bouzid sits down with acclaimed journalist Paula Span, longtime writer of The New Old Age column for The New York Times. Span reflects on the enduring value of journalism, the essential role of purpose in healthy aging, and the surprising ways technology may be preserving our cognitive health. Together, they tackle the widespread but...

In this deeply insightful episode of Aging in Grace, host Ahmed Bouzid sits down with acclaimed journalist Paula Span, longtime writer of The New Old Age column for The New York Times. Span reflects on the enduring value of journalism, the essential role of purpose in healthy aging, and the surprising ways technology may be preserving our cognitive health. Together, they tackle the widespread but...

In this episode, Jennifer Truppa, Director of Resident Services at Embrace Living Communities, discusses the deep connection between health and housing, emphasizing how stable, affordable housing paired with engaging programs can dramatically improve residents’ physical, social, and emotional well-being. She shares inspiring success stories—from walking clubs that lead to weight loss and better di...

In this episode, former HUD senior official Jeff Little reflects on his 15-year career in housing policy, his decision to take a deferred resignation, and the rare opportunity it gave him to pause and plan his next chapter. He discusses the complexities of federal, state, and local roles in affordable senior housing, the political dynamics affecting rental assistance programs, and the push-pull be...

In this episode of Aging in Grace, the host speaks with Michelle Norris, a veteran leader in affordable senior housing with over 30 years at National Church Residences, about the deepening crisis in housing for older adults. Norris recounts her journey into the field, the integration of her faith with her professional mission, and the advice that transformed her perspective—visiting properties and...

This Aging in Grace episode features Michelle Missler, President and CEO of the American Association of Service Coordinators, reflecting on her two-decade journey from working directly with residents in affordable senior housing to leading a national organization. She shares how early experiences as a service coordinator deepened her commitment to helping older adults age with dignity and independ...

In this pilot episode, host Ahmed Bouzid sits down with technologist and social impact leader Paolo Narciso to explore what it means to age with dignity, purpose, and control in the age of AI. They discuss the moment aging becomes real, the power of intergenerational dialogue, and how technology—particularly AI—can empower underserved communities navigating complex healthcare systems. Paolo shares...