Annapolis, MD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Developing projects based on residents' priorities

Description: Conflict within families and social circles can weigh heavily on older adults, yet many lack access to affordable mediation. To close this gap, the Center created a bilingual brochure explaining free conflict resolution services and distributed it through schools, courts and community agencies. The effort aims to raise awareness and empower residents to resolve disputes without costly legal action. By reframing conflicts as shared problems, mediation fosters dialogue, strengthens relationships and builds inclusion across the community.

Severna Park, MD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: The Olde Severna Park Improvement Association employed high- and low-tech solutions to improve pedestrian safety in a neighborhood with a senior living facility, library, community recreation center, local gathering spaces and shopping. The organization made bright orange handheld pedestrian flags available at two crosswalks on Evergreen Road. They also added guardrails and planting strips between the sidewalk and street to help protect pedestrians. Other improvements include school crossing signage, arrows and a flashing pedestrian-activated beacon. All provide a collective alert to drivers to watch out for people traveling on foot.