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Florence, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Digital Connections Other
Description: Many older adults struggled to manage everyday digital tasks, leaving them vulnerable to scams, missed services and digital disasters. The Development District trained a college student to deliver hands-on digital literacy classes tailored to older adults. Sessions covered online banking, medical portals, scam awareness and managing digital footprints. The model reached more than 100 participants, most age 50 or over, and challenged assumptions about who can teach technology effectively. Participants praised the patient instruction and individual follow-up, saying they felt more confident asking questions and using new skills.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Christiansted, VI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Digital Connections Other
Description: The Coalition launched its Digital Bridge Initiative to help older adults overcome barriers that limited their ability to use devices for essential tasks and social connection. The group trained 11 high school students to serve as instructors, then guided participants through skills such as identifying phishing attempts, using patient portals and applying emergency preparedness tools. Graduates reported "newfound independence," with some sharing that they no longer needed to wait for relatives to complete online banking or health tasks. The program strengthened community ties through radio outreach led in part by a participant and created a structure for continued mentorship. The model is now prompting a second training phase and inspiring at least one graduate to explore launching a similar effort, helping embed digital literacy more firmly into local services.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Mendon, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Digital Connections Other
Description: This initiative will expand tech access for older residents via a volunteer help desk and shared laptop program. Through hands-on instruction and intergenerational support, participants will develop digital skills, confidence and social ties.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Charleston, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project upgraded Charleston's East End Dog Park to make it usable for pet owners of all ages. The City planted trees, installed shade structures and added seating. They also made repairs to the park's water source and planted grass. In addition, City workers fenced off a section of the dog park specifically for smaller dogs, keeping them separate from larger breeds that can intimidate them.
Charleston, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: This project assisted low-income older adults with home repairs and maintenance, allowing them to safely age in place in their homes. Faith in Action's Honey Do Crews preformed a variety of tasks for older adults in Kanawha and Putnam Counties, from changing lightbulbs to repainting porches. In total, grant funds supported 16 projects. One participant was living in a home with a flimsy, glass patio door installed where a proper front door should have been. To lock the door, she would insert a broom handle across the doorway. Faith in Action purchased a new door with a deadbolt and a volunteer installed it. "I feel like I've been released from prison," the homeowner said. "I love my new door."
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