Black Empowerment & Community Council (2025) Print

star-24px 2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee

Project Category

Digital Connections
└ Digital navigation skills
Many older adults had difficulty accessing food, digital tools and emergency information, especially when transportation or stable housing was limited. These gaps increased isolation and made it harder to stay safe during hurricanes and other disruptions. The Black Empowerment & Community Council responded by converting a minivan into a mobile resource hub that delivered services directly into neighborhoods. Through outreach stops, staff provided meals and food supplies, computer literacy help, laptops and hurricane preparedness resources. Older adults also received one-on-one navigation to connect with housing, benefits and local services. One unhoused older adult shared that receiving meals and preparedness supplies on site increased their sense of safety during hurricane season. By bringing support to where people were, the project reduced access barriers and helped residents remain safer and more connected.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

See More Projects Like This One

Korean Community Services (2026)

Tenafly, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Digital navigation skills

Description: Free bilingual digital literacy classes will help immigrant adults age 50-plus learn basic technology skills. Training will focus on online safety, communication, telehealth and everyday digital tools.

Down East Family YMCA (2025)

Blue Hill, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Digital navigation skills

Description: Older adults on the Blue Hill Peninsula face growing barriers as essential services, communication and information move online. In this rural area, limited access to devices, internet service and hands-on support has left many older adults isolated and unsure how to use technology safely. Down East Family YMCA addressed this gap by launching the Tech Cafe, a weekly, in-person space offering digital skills help, device troubleshooting and online safety guidance. More than 45 participants, nearly all age 50-plus, received one-on-one assistance using computers and tablets with support from digital navigators, peer mentors and volunteers. One socially isolated older adult began attending regularly after receiving help with a tablet, becoming more comfortable spending time in the community. The Tech Cafe now serves as an ongoing digital hub, expanding access to devices and connectivity while helping older adults build confidence and stay engaged.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Northampton County (2025)

Northampton, PA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Digital navigation skills

Description: Northampton County addressed barriers faced by older adults as everyday services moved online. Many residents lacked the skills, support or devices needed to use the internet safely and confidently. The county hosted three in-person digital training events that offered one-on-one instruction from volunteers and students, with hands-on help tailored to individual needs such as connecting to Wi-Fi, improving device performance, protecting privacy and completing common online tasks. Eligible participants also received refurbished devices through the county device giveaway program. Older adults left with practical skills and greater confidence using digital tools to stay connected and manage daily needs. The strong response expanded demand for device distribution and reinforced the county's digital navigator approach, supporting plans to continue and grow these efforts beyond the initial events.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

St. Cloud Main Street (2026)

St. Cloud, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: Artistic wayfinding elements and custom bike racks will connect downtown streets to the lakefront. Clear visual cues will support safer walking and cycling for residents of all ages.

IDEAS For Us (2021)

Casselberry, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: The Hindu Society of Central Florida is a vital center of the Hindu community. However, the temple's grounds needed a facelift. IDEAS for Us upgraded landscaping in the Society's courtyard, planting 250 native plants, as well as two magnolia trees. They also installed benches and an arbor to create a self-seeding, perennial garden that society members can use throughout the year. The project helped spur a thriving garden program and laid the groundwork for expansion to the space.

ABOUT THE AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

Launched in 2017, the annual AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to local governments and nonprofits in order to fund quick-action, ready-to-implement projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages.

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