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.

Denver, CO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: There is no shortage of underutilized urban land in Jefferson, Denver and Boulder Counties and no shortage of residents in need of fresh fruits and vegetables. Established by a group of farmers, researchers, teachers, business leaders and activists, Sprout City Farms works to increase food access and community resiliency by farming unused plots within the region. This project jumpstarted monthly workshops designed to connect residents with the local food system, along with virtual events to introduce people to Sprout City's community farming model. Additionally, the organization provided fresh produce to community members through its pay-what-you-can farm stands. The nonprofit also donated its harvest to the OUR Center in Longmont, with supplied 300 households with fruit and vegetables each week. To reach residents in their neighborhoods, Sprout City's e-bicycle-powered Sprout 'n About veggie mobiles made deliveries of fresh produce.