Chatham County, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: When the owner of the Bynum General Store in Pittsboro retired, neighbors established a nonprofit organization called Bynum Front Porch, which turned the shop into a community center and performance space. When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, grant funds -- and the power of high-speed internet -- enabled the venue to livestream its monthly storytelling workshops and musical events. Bynum Front Porch set up a recording equipment in the space, allowing the nonprofit to reach older adults, former residents and others unable to gather in person. In the years since, Bynum Front Porch has continued to stream live performance and archive shows on its YouTube channel.

West Baton Rouge, LA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge has been involved in community art and arts education for many years. The Council engaged professional writing instructors to hold two workshops for older adults in creative writing, poetry, self-publication and basic editing. They then invited participants to share their writing with the public at an open mic night. Project organizers also created a post-workshop online forum, allowing the cohort to continue writing together and receiving feedback on their work.

Bozeman, MT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: A mobile “listening bench” will rotate among parks, libraries and gathering spots for older adults. Trained volunteers will host scheduled bench hours to offer conversation and companionship, with QR codes linking users to local resources, to help reduce social isolation among adults age 50 and older.