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Greenville, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Food insecurity and limited access to preventive care left many older adults in Greenville vulnerable to chronic disease, a challenge worsened after Hurricane Helene. The Women of Worth program responded with bi-monthly health sessions offering screenings and fitness activities. It also distributed more than 360 boxes of fresh produce and expanded a hoop tunnel and community garden with raised beds for age-friendly gardening. These efforts improved nutrition and wellness for hundreds of older adults and engaged volunteers in growing over 200 pounds of vegetables. Plans include a second program site and a mobile food pantry. One participant said, "It gives me pleasure to see other older adults smile and have fun when they come into the office."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Roanoke, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Older adults in Roanoke lacked safe outdoor spaces for exercise and social connection, increasing isolation and health risks. The Local Office on Aging built an outdoor fitness area with specialized equipment, shaded seating and fall-resistant surfaces. The space now hosts balance workshops and social gatherings, helping older adults improve mobility and reduce isolation. Future plans include a paved walking track and volunteer-led sessions to guide equipment use. As one participant said, "This is a great need for our senior community, and I am looking forward to having a safe place to exercise with my friends."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Tallahassee, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Older adults in rural north Florida often lack affordable estate planning, leaving property titles unresolved and families vulnerable to losing homes or generational wealth. ARPC hosted five legal clinics where about 200 participants learned about wills, health care directives and powers of attorney. Thirteen began drafting documents, and others left with resources to seek free legal help later. The effort reduced risks tied to heirs' property and sparked interest from other regions to replicate the model. One attendee said she was "relieved to finally have legal documentation with her wishes."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Hood River, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: To demonstrate ways to make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists, the City of Hood River created Streets Alive. They held the pop-up event on two busy streets, adding enhanced crosswalk markings, curb bump-outs and a protected bike lane, which kept cyclists separated from cars during the week of the event. More than 1,000 people gathered to walk, bike and engage with their neighbors. The event featured activities such as yoga and dance classes.Following the tactical urbanism project, the City worked to implement many traffic calming and safety concepts permanently.
Glenwood, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Glenwood faced rising wildfire threats that left many older adults unsure how to evacuate or prepare their homes, a serious concern in a rural area with limited resources. Mt. Adams Resource Stewards held a "Wildfire Town Hall" where residents signed up for emergency alerts, learned home hardening steps and asked questions of the fire chief. They also created a durable preparedness brochure featuring an evacuation map, a kit checklist and local support links, placing it in high-traffic spots for ongoing access. The brochure's wide distribution and the Town Hall conversations are expected to prompt more residents to take practical steps that strengthen local readiness, and the group plans follow-up events to sustain momentum.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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