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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.
Melbourne, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: A technology library and classroom will be fully equipped in an existing facility used by older adults. Ongoing classes will help participants use digital tools to manage daily tasks and services.
Blue Hill, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Older adults on the Blue Hill Peninsula face growing barriers as essential services, communication and information move online. In this rural area, limited access to devices, internet service and hands-on support has left many older adults isolated and unsure how to use technology safely. Down East Family YMCA addressed this gap by launching the Tech Cafe, a weekly, in-person space offering digital skills help, device troubleshooting and online safety guidance. More than 45 participants, nearly all age 50-plus, received one-on-one assistance using computers and tablets with support from digital navigators, peer mentors and volunteers. One socially isolated older adult began attending regularly after receiving help with a tablet, becoming more comfortable spending time in the community. The Tech Cafe now serves as an ongoing digital hub, expanding access to devices and connectivity while helping older adults build confidence and stay engaged.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Chicago, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: A six-block stretch along a busy bus route lacked benches, leaving older adults without a place to rest while waiting for transit. The council installed a hexagonal tree bench near a major stop, offering shaded seating where none existed before. Volunteers assembled and maintain the bench as part of park cleanups. "They were amazed that anyone had thought to provide this welcome addition," said a volunteer, reflecting community gratitude. The bench now offers a permanent, comfortable spot for community members to wait for buses or enjoy the park.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Chicago, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: As part of efforts to provide affordable housing in Chicago, Elevate Energy set out to help an older adult homeowner renovate her two-unit building. The owner would be able to safely age in place in one unit, while renting the other unit out to a family in need of affordable housing. The improvements focus on accessibility upgrades and addressing deferred maintenance -- making the building less costly to keep up in the future. Project organizers rewired the entire building and replaced the roof -- improvements that helped project organizers attract funding from other sources to complete the renovation. They hope to use this project as a case study to demonstrate the potential for two-flats to enable aging at place and provide below-market rental housing.
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