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Community Health Development Foundation (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Digital Connections
└ Digital navigation skills
└ Digital navigation skills
In rural Nevada, many older adults struggled with isolation and limited digital access, leaving them cut off from family and health care providers. To bridge this divide, the foundation installed laptops and tablets at centers in Wells and Carlin. It recruited local high school students to teach older residents how to use email, video calls and the internet safely. The sessions drew growing interest, with many reporting newfound confidence and eagerness to keep learning. The project not only built digital skills but also lasting connections between generations and within the community. One participant, after learning to use video chat for the first time, tearfully said she was "so happy" to finally see her granddaughter again.
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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See More Projects Like This One
Seattle, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Latino workers in Seattle faced barriers to digital access, leaving older adults isolated and unable to manage daily tasks. Casa Latina distributed 36 hotspots and 20 laptops, offered 64 bilingual classes and over 50 one-on-one sessions to build confidence and skills. The program helped participants connect with loved ones, access telehealth and pursue education. One member used her new laptop to complete a business course and launch a catering business, showing how digital literacy can transform lives.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nashville, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Older adults in North Nashville faced digital barriers that limited access to health care, financial tools and social connection. The YMCA launched a Digital Connectivity Pilot with 23 computer lab sessions staffed by local HBCU students. It also hosted three Lunch and Learn workshops on telehealth, estate planning and financial literacy. These efforts helped participants gain confidence using technology. One member said the program's telehealth training made them less scared to seek care remotely. Others learned to prevent scams and manage retirement accounts. The YMCA plans to expand this model across its six-county service area.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Wadesboro, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Older adults in Wadesboro faced barriers to technology use, leaving many unable to connect with family or access online resources. The foundation launched TechSeniors, a six-week program offering group classes on email, video calls, social media and resume building. Participants practiced on tablets and laptops at a new learning center, supported by volunteers and a local college partnership. Graduates reported feeling more confident online and eager to keep learning, and program adjustments-such as switching to laptops for accessibility-helped ensure lasting benefits for the community.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Winnemucca, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: A large community garden in one of Winnemucca's parks had fallen into disrepair. But organizers with Age- and Dementia-Friendly Winnemucca saw the space's potential and set out to revitalize the community space. Organizers wanted to make the garden accessible, allowing people with mobility issues to garden while seated, or simply observe others while they work. To achieve this, they installed hip-height raised garden beds onsite. Additionally, they laid down pavers to create smooth surface suitable for people using wheelchairs and walkers. New benches completed the transformation, giving visitors a comfortable space to rest. To ensure the garden remains well cared for, the age-friendly initiative also purchased a weedwhacker for the site, along with a drip irrigation system. Organizers say the project's success inspired local leaders to consider other ways to improve the park.
Winnemucca, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Part of larger efforts to develop a new park in Winnemucca's Whitworth Recreation Complex, the local age-friendly initiative County set out to provide residents with outdoor exercise options. They created a paved walking trail, which features exercise stations. Organizers prioritized accessibility, ensuring the path's surface was navigable for people using wheelchairs and walkers. Additionally, local organizations added seating and a bus stop onsite. Already home to a playground, splash pad and picnic area, the recreation center supports community health for residents of all ages.
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