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Tallulah, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Older adults in Tallulah faced barriers to technology access and digital skills, leaving them isolated and unable to manage online tasks. To address this, the organization renovated a former church into an accessible tech hub with ramps, lighting and restrooms, and launched Tech Savvy Seniors workshops. Participants received hands-on training for smartphones, tablets and laptops, plus ongoing drop-in support. The program reduced isolation and empowered independence, with one participant saying, "I never thought I would be able to pay my bills online, but this program has completely changed my life."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
San Francisco, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Many older adults in San Francisco struggled with technology-not because they lacked devices, but because they lacked help. To meet that need, SF Tech Council organized five multilingual "Tech Support Popups" that offered free one-on-one assistance in neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Tenderloin. Nearly 100 volunteers helped more than 200 residents update devices, remove viruses and sign up for affordable internet programs. The events built digital confidence and community connections, inspiring agencies to explore permanent tech help services. One Cantonese-speaking participant said she finally felt "heard" while learning to use her phone to stay in touch with her children.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
El Dorado, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Union County's digital divide left many older adults without internet access or basic tech skills, limiting their ability to bank online or connect with family. SouthArk launched SouthArk Connections, hosting six classes on computer basics, cybersecurity and financial literacy, and provided laptops for use beyond class time. Specialized sessions supported veterans and people with disabilities. Participants gained confidence and reduced isolation, with partnerships ensuring ongoing classes and outreach. One attendee said, "This class has helped me feel more comfortable with computers...I'm so thankful for this class and our wonderful instructor."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Baltimore, MD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Older adults in a Baltimore's North Avenue neighborhood needed an accessible place to gather. The project transformed the Red Shed garden with a concrete ADA walkway, a pergola for shade and lighting and spaces for community mosaics. Volunteers created a welcoming event area that now hosts gatherings and cultural celebrations. One participant said, "It means the world to me to be part of building this. We have helped our neighborhood and made something beautiful!"
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Baltimore, MD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public spaces improvements to increase high-speed internet availability
Description: Baltimore's digital divide leaves many older adults without affordable internet, cutting off access to telehealth, banking and social connection. At Stadium Place, home to 450 residents age 50-plus, Open Works installed two solar-powered benches offering free Wi-Fi, device charging and seating. Each station operates off-grid with solar panels and 5G routers, creating a resilient resource during outages. Early data shows steady use despite winter weather, and a digital navigator is being trained for upkeep. Designs are being open-sourced to encourage replication. "We hope the solar stations will help connect folks who do not have access to the internet... and spark social connections as folks sit and charge their phones," the team noted.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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