AARP South Carolina recently presented Kelly Jo Barnwell with the AARP Community Impact Award for her exceptional dedication to uplifting older adults and young people in Anderson County.
Barnwell has transformed the Jo Brown Senior Center into a welcoming home for AARP Chapter 3693, coordinating programs that keep older adults engaged through activities such as line dancing, quilting, and bridge.
She also relaunched her mother’s signature event, the Golden Years Jamboree, which celebrates older adults while raising funds for local nonprofits including the Cancer Association of Anderson and the Westside Community Center.
Beyond her leadership with older adults, Barnwell has spent more than 14 years volunteering at NewSpring Church, mentoring high school girls and supporting students with special needs. Her compassion, energy, and belief in service have made her a role model for the community.
“AARP is proud to recognize Kelly Jo Barnwell for her extraordinary commitment to empowering people to live with purpose and connection,” said Charmaine Fuller-Cooper, AARP South Carolina State Director.
AARP South Carolina presented the AARP Community Impact Award to Kelly Jo Barnwell during the National Day of Service on September 11 in Anderson.
Pictured (l-r) – Charmaine Fuller-Cooper, AARP SC State Director, Kelly Jo Barnwell, AARP SC 2025 Community Impact Award Recipient / Jo Brown Senior Center Director,
Cassandra Addison, AARP SC State President
