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Centro Ines (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Digital Connections
└ Digital navigation skills
└ Digital navigation skills
Older adults in Puerto Rico often struggle with digital illiteracy, leaving them disconnected from family and vital services. Centro Ines tackled this by offering small-group courses on tablets and smartphones. Common apps for entertainment, staying connected with friends and navigation were taught, as well as skills for managing medical appointments and voting online. Volunteers provided hands-on support to build confidence. Graduates now use technology to stay in touch with loved ones, access health resources and prepare for emergencies like hurricanes. One participant noted how helpful this course has been for himself and other residents.
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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Gaithersburg, MD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Older adults in Montgomery County faced tech barriers that deepened isolation and limited access to health portals and communication tools. CyberMasters paired them with teens for one-on-one tutoring in multiple languages, teaching smart phone use, photo sharing and online health access. Sessions for residents age 50-plus and for youth built confidence and social connection. One man, once unable to answer "Do you know how to use a computer?" on job applications, now proudly checks "Yes." Another participant called the program "a lifesaver," underscoring its role in restoring independence and reducing loneliness.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Honolulu, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: As SNAP benefits dropped and food prices soared, many older adults in Honolulu struggled to afford groceries. They also faced barriers volunteering at The Pantry's eCommerce food distribution program due to limited digital skills. The project trained more than 375 older adults on basic computer navigation, teaching account setup and ordering across laptops and tablets. This enabled volunteers to assist others and order food themselves, impacting nearly 2,000 older adults. One participant now orders for her assisted living facility, saying the training helped her meet cultural preferences and support neighbors.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Memphis, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: In South Memphis, many older adults lacked computer skills, leaving them disconnected from telehealth, finances and job opportunities. Mustard Seed addressed this by hosting a six-week course at its ACTION Center, covering internet safety, smartphone basics and fraud prevention, with one-on-one support from volunteers. The curriculum, co-designed with older adults and delivered in partnership with CodeCrew, gave participants practical skills for banking, shopping and virtual meetings. Graduates now feel confident using technology, and demand for intermediate classes is growing. One participant noted how much he enjoyed the class, and mentioned that the instructors were very helpful and the class made things much easier for him.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
San Juan, PR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space improvements to support recovery after extreme weather events
Description: After repeated hurricanes, a San Juan community lacked a safe, equipped space for emergencies. The project transformed an abandoned center into a resiliency hub with a generator, water tank, freezer, cots and kitchen supplies. Volunteers helped purchase equipment and plan workshops on disaster preparedness and emotional resilience. "With this center, older adults will have water, food and shelter when crises hit," said a community leader. The hub will serve 500 residents and provide ongoing training to strengthen self-sufficiency.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
San Juan, PR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Entrepreneurship and improved economic resilience
Description: The Sila M. Calderon Foundation hosted 16 workshops with local entrepreneurs with the goal of strengthening small businesses, fostering job creation and increasing wages. The Foundation also offered technical assistance, hosted community outreach events and provided other resources. Thirty-five older adults completed the program and participating entrepreneurs received 119 hours of training from experts. Working with historically marginalized and underserved communities, the Foundation's mission is to achieve a more just and productive society in Puerto Rico by combatting poverty and inequality. Since 2018, the Foundation has helped create and support more than 650 small businesses and more than 1,000 new jobs.
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