Newark, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Disaster Preparedness

Description: Two sessions will teach disaster preparedness strategies for situations where older adults may be alone. Participants will receive bilingual checklists and basic emergency items.

Leonia, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Disaster Preparedness

Description: Four preparedness workshops will be held for older adults, covering fire, police, health and weather emergencies. The sessions will teach safety steps and provide go-bags, helping vulnerable participants prepare for local emergencies.

Appleton, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Disaster Preparedness

Description: Friends of the Appleton Fire Department focused on preparedness gaps among older adults living in assisted living communities, where many residents lacked clear guidance and basic supplies to manage everyday emergencies or larger disasters. Fire Department and Emergency Management staff led on-site preparedness sessions that broke complex topics into practical steps and invited residents to ask questions. The project also distributed disaster preparedness kits designed to support both daily safety needs and emergency response. Participants reported that the information was new, easier to act on than past handouts and reduced anxiety by making planning feel manageable. Several residents sought follow-up guidance on evacuation routes and kit items, signaling increased readiness. Strong engagement led to requests for additional presentations, positioning the project as a foundation for broader community preparedness outreach.

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