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Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Public or private transit access
└ Public or private transit access
Older adults on Bainbridge Island face limited transit options, making shopping and cultural outings difficult. The center piloted a transportation program, training a driver for its 22-passenger van and partnering with Island Volunteer Caregivers to provide 202 rides for excursions and shopping trips. Volunteers supported the effort, and participants confirmed these trips were a top priority. "These shopping trips have lifted my husband's whole spirits," said one participant. The program reduced isolation, improved mental health and set the stage for continued excursions as well as plans to add livery service for medical appointments.
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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Lawrence, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public or private transit access
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Willmar, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public or private transit access
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Bismarck, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Many residents lacked knowledge about how to use public transit, creating barriers for older adults and people with disabilities-especially after the local taxi service closed. Bis-Man Transit produced 11 short instructional videos explaining trip planning, timetables, fares and stop requests. Shared online and used in training sessions, these videos provide a lasting resource to help riders feel confident using public transit. Volunteers, including an older adult and a wheelchair user, appeared in the videos to show real-life scenarios, making the system more approachable and accessible.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Port Orchard, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Housing stability
Description: The Homes for All village is a tiny home community, which offers transitional and temporary housing for Port Orchard's unhoused residents. However, the community lacked communal space. To fill this gap, the County set out to designed and build an indoor gathering space. Kitsap County Commissioners received a donated 32-foot trailer, which they converted into a community kitchen for food prep and distribution. Volunteers worked to convert the trailer, adding an electric range, oven, microwave, sinks and refrigerators. The new space includes an adjacent room for dining, community meetings and group activities. Project organizers say the space helps residents build relationships with one another.
Seattle, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: To increase their independence and mobility, Sound Generations partnered with antipoverty organization Hopelink to help residents understand and access local public transportation options. The two organizations hosted a guided excursion for a small group of older adults. They helped build participants' confidence using buses and light rail to reach cultural and educational sites, outdoor events and social services agencies. Excursion leaders gave instruction in tasks such as using fare machines and planning a trip with the King County Metro app. To accommodate non-native English speakers, they also provided translators. Today, Hopelink continues to provide resources to help older adults navigate public transportation.
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