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Age-Friendly Saco (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Transportation Systems Change
└ Transportation Systems Change
Older residents in Saco and nearby towns struggled with limited transportation options, making it hard to reach groceries, social activities and essential programs. Age-Friendly Saco introduced an on-demand shuttle using donated vans, hired drivers and mapped routes based on community surveys. The service now provides rides for errands and social engagement, helping residents maintain independence. One rider said, "I won't drive forever... I'm glad to know this service exists," reflecting its impact on reducing isolation and meeting daily needs.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Phoenix, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Transportation Systems Change
Description: Public transit gaps in Phoenix left many older adults isolated and unable to reach health care, housing and food resources. Elaine filled this void by providing 1,000 free rides for hundreds of people age 50-plus, including trips to medical visits, grocery stores and housing appointments. Drivers offered hands-on help, from carrying bags to assisting with wheelchairs, creating a safe and supportive experience. The service helped nine formerly homeless individuals secure stable housing and improved access to essentials for hundreds more. One rider shared, "I appreciate so much that this transportation is available," and shared that one of the drivers is more like a family member and friend than just a worker.
McLoud, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Transportation Systems Change
Description: Older adults in the tribe faced isolation and limited mobility in a rural area with few transportation options. To reconnect tribal elders with cultural traditions and community life, the tribe organized trips, including transportation for 52 participants to the Meskwaki Powwow and a community viewing of Killers of the Flower Moon. These events revived cherished traditions and strengthened social ties. "Without this... I would not have been able to take a trip and see my old friends in Iowa," one elder said. The project prompted policy changes to fund future trips and inspired similar efforts by neighboring tribes.
Toms River, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Transportation Systems Change
Description: Older adults in Ocean and Monmouth Counties often miss routine medical care because they cannot drive and lack affordable transportation. The Healthy Hop program tackled this gap by offering free, accessible rides to appointments. In six months, more than 1,000 people enrolled and over 2,100 rides were completed, supported by volunteers and community partners. The effort eased isolation and improved health access while sparking collaboration among local groups. "Thank you so much for getting me to my appointment, I don't know what I would do without you," one participant said, underscoring the program's impact and plans to expand for people with disabilities.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Saco, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Saco is a coastal community with seven miles of sandy beaches. Until recently, there was no beach access for people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. That changed thanks to the purchase and installation of three ADA-compliant beach mats. The mats run from a parking lot to the high tide mark, as well as parallel to the beach. Grant funding from AARP also helped Saco attract a donation from the local Rotary Club to purchase a beach wheelchair and beach walker. Lifeguards manage and loan out the accessibility equipment.
Saco, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Older adults in Saco faced safety risks at home, making aging in place harder. To address this, the group created a universal design brochure with city planners and distributed it to residents seeking building permits. They also developed a home safety assessment tool used during handyman visits to suggest improvements like grab bars and smoke detectors. The brochure is now part of the citys permitting process, and discussions are underway to require universal design in new housing. One resident said installing grab bars gave her peace of mind and made her bathroom much safer.
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