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Apalachee Regional Planning Council (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Community Health and Economic Empowerment
└ Addressing community health
└ Addressing community health
Older adults in rural north Florida often lack affordable estate planning, leaving property titles unresolved and families vulnerable to losing homes or generational wealth. ARPC hosted five legal clinics where about 200 participants learned about wills, health care directives and powers of attorney. Thirteen began drafting documents, and others left with resources to seek free legal help later. The effort reduced risks tied to heirs' property and sparked interest from other regions to replicate the model. One attendee said she was "relieved to finally have legal documentation with her wishes."
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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Princeton, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: In rural Illinois, thousands face food insecurity and limited access to books and art. Community A-to-Z responded by installing 26 Little Free Libraries, Pantries and Art Galleries across Bureau and neighboring counties, including local community centers and food pantries. Nearly half of volunteers were age 50-plus, and building days drew more than 100 visitors, sparking additional installations beyond this project. Older adults now use the libraries as destinations for walks and bike rides, forming new connections and reducing loneliness. With plans to grow to 4,050 units, the project created a lasting network that strengthens literacy and community ties.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Clearwater, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Many older adults in Pinellas County face food insecurity and lack access to nutritious meals due to transportation barriers and limited cooking facilities. To address this, 360 Eats purchased commercial freezers and refrigerators and expanded storage for rescued food. This enabled its mobile kitchen to deliver over 1,300 chef-prepared meals to older adults at six sites. The upgrade also supported pop-up meal service for hurricane-displaced residents. The project improved health and reduced isolation by bringing meals directly to older adults. One recipient said, "You're really giving us what we need: a real meal," and noting how important nutrition is to him.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Roanoke, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Older adults in Roanoke lacked safe outdoor spaces for exercise and social connection, increasing isolation and health risks. The Local Office on Aging built an outdoor fitness area with specialized equipment, shaded seating and fall-resistant surfaces. The space now hosts balance workshops and social gatherings, helping older adults improve mobility and reduce isolation. Future plans include a paved walking track and volunteer-led sessions to guide equipment use. As one participant said, "This is a great need for our senior community, and I am looking forward to having a safe place to exercise with my friends."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Tallahassee, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The Goodwood Museum and Gardens revitalized a historic roller rink, transforming it into a gathering space for outdoor activities. The rink -- originally built in 1916 -- sat vacant for years, but the Museum saw potential for the 10,000-square-foot site. Accessibility was a main goal for project organizers, so the Museum installed an ADA-compliant sidewalk, ramp and handrails. They also added lighting to increase safety at the site, levelled the rink's concrete surface, added landscaping and upgraded electrical wiring. These enhancements attracted community partners to the space, including the Irish Repertory Theater and the Southern Shakespeare Company. Today the site hosts a monthly live performance featuring local musicians, along with other community activities.
Tallahassee, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Speeding along Dempsey Mayo Road endangered pedestrians near a school and a local community where older adults lived. Existing crosswalks in the area lacked visibility. To improve safety, the project installed three raised, art-enhanced crosswalks using durable thermoplastic designs. It engaged more than 150 residents age 50-plus in the planning process. The upgrades slowed traffic and encouraged walking while accelerating county safety plans. Officials called the effort "a major win for the community," and a toolkit now enables similar projects elsewhere.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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