Toms River, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Transportation Systems Change

Description: Older adults in Ocean and Monmouth Counties often miss routine medical care because they cannot drive and lack affordable transportation. The Healthy Hop program tackled this gap by offering free, accessible rides to appointments. In six months, more than 1,000 people enrolled and over 2,100 rides were completed, supported by volunteers and community partners. The effort eased isolation and improved health access while sparking collaboration among local groups. "Thank you so much for getting me to my appointment, I don't know what I would do without you," one participant said, underscoring the program's impact and plans to expand for people with disabilities.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Madison, GA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Transportation Systems Change

Description: Busy state highways and missing accessible signals made walking downtown risky, especially for older adults and residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods. Madison responded by improving sidewalk paths with curb cuts, ramps and tactile pads, adding new crosswalks and wayfinding signs. It also created a micro-park with benches and footbridges along a creek. These upgrades not only provide safer routes to schools, shops and community spaces but also sparked broader planning for walkability and multi-modal transportation, giving residents a quiet place to connect and stay active.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Dallas, TX

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Transportation Systems Change

Description: Better Block Foundation tackled unsafe streets and missing sidewalks in Dallas, where older adults lacked accessible spaces to gather. The team installed an ADA ramp, added benches at bus stops and introduced speed bumps near a food bank serving 1,800 families. Volunteers transformed a parking lot into a shaded seating area and created market stall designs for future use. The effort prompted city discussions on street redesign and tree planting. As one partner said about the speed bumps, "We are so grateful... It's very dangerous. We have needed them for a long time."

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.