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Central Falls, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Progreso Latino hoped to make better use of its limited outdoor space, expand its program offerings and help combat social isolation among older adults. The organization -- which serves Latino/a elders -- built a community pavilion in the heart of Central Falls to serve as a safe, outdoor gathering space. Organizers outfitted the space with tables and chairs and installed bollards to protect it from vehicle traffic. The pavilion's significance as a community space increased when Central Falls' only other senior center closed. Today the space hosts Zumba classes, walking groups, performances and vaccine clinics.
Marshalltown, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: A community-led effort will convert a tornado-impacted downtown lot into an accessible pocket plaza with shade, seating and public art. The space will encourage gathering and walking downtown while supporting local businesses and social connections.
Earle, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will enhance a community center into an accessible facility for older adults, featuring mobility-friendly equipment, digital literacy resources, and an expanded food pantry.
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Columbia, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: In Columbia, many older adults want to grow and preserve food but face tight budgets, limited space and few chances to learn practical skills alongside others. NoMa STEAM addressed this by expanding hands-on and virtual programming at the Bridge of Hope Community Garden. Older adults joined garden talks and food preservation workshops. Volunteer days focused on low-maintenance growing, composting and safe canning. One participant said simple tips, like new ways to prepare harvested vegetables, helped them use what they grew at home. Over time, the project strengthened confidence, encouraged regular physical activity and deepened connections between older adults and younger volunteers. By anchoring consistent programming in the garden, the space was reinforced as a lasting neighborhood resource for food knowledge, skill building and social connection.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Columbia, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: A community garden featuring lighting, shaded seating and raised beds will be established to support caregivers and adults age 50-plus. The space will promote low‑impact physical activity, stress reduction and social connection.
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