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CommunityCare Clinics (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Public or private transit access
└ Public or private transit access
Transportation gaps left patients waiting at an unsheltered bus stop and missing care. The clinic built an ADA-compliant bus shelter with seating and posted resources, launched a rideshare program and created a transportation toolkit to help residents plan safe, reliable trips. These changes improve access to healthcare and mobility for older adults and others facing barriers, while influencing city plans for walkability and inspiring similar efforts in other communities.
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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Perry, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Older adults and some families in Perry faced major transportation barriers, limiting access to health care and jobs. HIRTA launched FlexConnect, a flexible bus route supported by ADA-compliant benches, signage and bilingual outreach. Free passes encouraged ridership, which has already grown by 10%. Surveys will track health impacts, and the service is expected to reduce isolation and promote independence. One community member said that this project will open up "a world of possibilities for people who live here."
Denver, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Older adults in Denver struggle with transportation and resource navigation, limiting independence and increasing isolation. DRMAC addressed this by expanding its Getting There Travel Training program, offering bilingual sessions and guided bus trips to teach trip planning, ticketing and mobility apps. Surveys showed that many participants felt more confident using public transit. The effort strengthened trust in marginalized communities and improved access to daily needs. One participant said that as a result of the help provided by the program, he is excited to now be able to attend spirit-lifting activities.
Hutchinson, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: This project will pilot an on-demand transportation program for older adults age 50 and over and disabled individuals. The service will prioritize medical appointments, with non-medical rides based on driver availability.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Toledo, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To transform a vacant lot into a pocket park, Salem Lutheran Church installed benches at the site. Inspired by the improvements, community members contributed donations to construct concrete pads for the benches and add trash receptacles nearby. The Church also built a pergola to provide shade at a nearby bus stop, making it the only stop with shelter in the immediate neighborhood. Project organizers engaged local teenagers to help with installation, who volunteered alongside residents. Salem Lutheran Church has since continued its efforts to revitalize North Toledo, hosting a summer youth program to build a community garden for the neighborhood.
Leipsic, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The Village of Leipsic installed a firepit with a pergola and adult swings in Bennett Park. The Village also provided permanent outdoor games for people of all ages, including four concrete cornhole boards and an outdoor checkers and chess board. Before these upgrades, community members considered the park a work in progress. But this project sparked additional investment in the park, including work to fix a drainage issue affecting a nearby playground. "Bennett Park is an outstanding athletic complex being enhanced by a new community track, this funding will allow us to further develop playground and family attractions in our newest park," Village Administrator Justin Barnhart said.
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