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Connect Lake County (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Digital Connections
└ Digital navigation skills
└ Digital navigation skills
Older residents in Lake County lacked devices and digital skills, leaving them unable to access health resources or stay connected. To close this gap, the organization distributed 123 laptops and provided at least 12 hours of hands-on training in familiar community spaces, supported by printed guides for continued learning. Participants reported feeling less isolated, with 80% using new skills to connect with family and 25% accessing health resources. One attendee shared, "I was scared of technology... now I feel young again," reflecting the program's impact on confidence and independence.
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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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.
Reno, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Older adults in Reno faced isolation and barriers to vital information because they lacked digital skills, compounded by transportation and language challenges. The city launched Senior Tech Connect classes in English and Spanish, teaching smartphone basics and advanced features like emergency contacts and medical IDs. Nearly 200 participants gained confidence, supported by bilingual volunteers and take-home materials. The program reduced isolation and boosted independence, prompting plans for expanded sessions. One participant said, "Before attending, my phone felt intimidating... now it's a tool I can enjoy," showing how digital literacy transformed daily life.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Little Rock, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Older adults in assisted living facilities often lacked access to technology and digital skills, leaving them isolated from essential resources and social connections. To address this, the library launched a mobile tech classroom with tablets and held five four-week courses covering email setup, online safety and library apps. The sessions drew 269 participants and eased fears about technology through hands-on instruction and personal support. Repeat attendance and requests for ongoing classes show growing confidence, and the library plans to expand the program across its service area.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Kenosha, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Unsafe homes left many older adults vulnerable to falls and insecurity, with broken steps, missing handrails and doors that wouldn't lock. The program completed safety repairs for seven homes at no cost, installing indoor and outdoor handrails, adding grab bars and replacing kitchen fixtures. Volunteers handled all labor, strengthening community ties. These changes let homeowners remain independent and secure, delaying moves to assisted living. One participant said new doors finally let her lock up and feel safe after years of fear, showing how essential these repairs were for dignity and peace of mind.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Wilmette, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: Environmental advocacy group Go Green Wilmette raised awareness of cycling through tactical urbanism, which involve short-term, low-cost changes meant to inspire longer-term improvements. The organization staged a village bicycle ride in partnership with the Wilmette Park District and Bike Wilmette. Along the route, the group installed a temporary protected bicycle lane. They did this using a pop-up toolkit they created, which includes planters, stencils and signs for use in temporary demonstrations. Go Green Wilmette later redeployed these items at school bike rodeo safety events and made them available to residents to use at block parties. In 2021, Wilmette's village board approved its Master Bike and Active Transportation Plan. Shaped by community input, the plan aims to improve pedestrian and cycling access to the Village's business district, parks, schools, transit stations and other destinations.
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