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Milton, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Many older adults lacked reliable transportation to medical appointments, creating delays in care and added stress for people who could not drive. The project formed a nursing-transportation partnership that offered an on-demand ride option managed through a virtual platform and supported by a phone line for scheduling. Volunteers trained as care coordinators helped residents request rides, and vouchers were set aside for medical and dental trips. The effort raised awareness about gaps in transportation and prompted plans to build a sustainable model that expands travel training and partnerships. One resident said, "It's comforting to know there are people out there who can be called upon in times of need," reflecting how the service eased concerns about accessing care.
Tallahassee, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Many older adults lacked confidence to use public transit, limiting independence and access to daily needs. The Ride Ready program launched with branded materials, mailed brochures to 1,750 older adults and created an interactive website. It also hosted group trainings, including a Try Transit Tuesday event with field trips. Free bus passes encouraged participation, which surged to 1,150 people in six months. One trainer noted, "People are always so surprised and enthusiastic when they find out StarMetro offers free travel training services," reflecting growing confidence among older riders.
Westport, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Westport Council on Aging launched a fixed-route shopping service to address the lack of public transit in this rural community. Using wheelchair-accessible vans, the program provided rides for errands and shopping, helping older adults regain independence and social connection. Outreach sessions and newsletters promoted the service, and signage on vans increased visibility. One rider said, "This program is a Godsend... I am so grateful," underscoring how reliable transportation reduces isolation and restores autonomy for older adults who no longer drive.
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Brownsville, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: The City of Brownsville set out to transform its 14th Street Plaza into a vibrant place for residents and visitors to the city. The City commissioned local artists to create a mural in the seven archways along one of the site's walls. To select the muralists, the City held a competition. The winning design, The Three Graces, by local artists Alexandria Canchola, Monica Lugo and Samantha Rawls, explores the relationships between sisters, cities and countries. Additionally, the City set up portable tables and seats, hung tree light fixtures, constructed a shade canopy and added new fountains to the site. They were also able to replace broken bollards, replace electrical fixtures and install bike racks and trash cans. Project organizers say the plaza was not well-maintained before and they hope upkeep will be easier now. Going forward, city officials see the park as a tool for economic development, attracting visitors to visit nearby businesses and museums.
Brownsville, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Activities that address social isolation and facilitate community connections
Description: Brownsville lacked a community center dedicated to older adults, leaving them with little voice in city planning and their critical needs unmet. The organization surveyed more than 900 residents and hosted forums to spotlight gaps in services and infrastructure. These efforts prompted the city to create its first Senior Community Center and opened the door for a Senior Advisory Committee to guide age-friendly policies. By connecting older adults with local leaders, the project strengthened civic engagement and set the stage for lasting improvements in transportation, social programs and livable spaces. One organizer said that efforts have brought much needed attention to an undeserved community.
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