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Jersey City, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Many older adults in Hudson Gardens public housing lacked internet access and digital skills, leaving them isolated from essential services and family connections. To close this gap, the housing authority distributed Wi-Fi-enabled tablets and partnered with Hudson County Community College. Student tutors provided one-on-one lessons on email, online safety and using free broadband programs. The sessions helped 46 residents gain digital confidence and independence. One participant said the program was a "lifesaver," sharing that her bills now cost less and she can finally explore games and other tools on her new tablet.
Florence, SC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: The pandemic left many older adults in rural Florence County isolated and unable to navigate the digital world. To close this gap, the association upgraded its computer lab and added new laptops and tablets. It then launched workshops on internet safety, genealogy and computer software. Graduates received devices to continue learning, and some even published a cookbook and traced family histories. More than 100 participants gained confidence online, and a growing waitlist signals demand as plans expand to remote sites and develop volunteer mentors.
Tallulah, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Older adults in Tallulah faced barriers to technology access and digital skills, leaving them isolated and unable to manage online tasks. To address this, the organization renovated a former church into an accessible tech hub with ramps, lighting and restrooms, and launched Tech Savvy Seniors workshops. Participants received hands-on training for smartphones, tablets and laptops, plus ongoing drop-in support. The program reduced isolation and empowered independence, with one participant saying, "I never thought I would be able to pay my bills online, but this program has completely changed my life."
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Portland, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Entrepreneurship and improved economic resilience
Description: To support the local economy in Portland's St. John's district, the City's Office of Planning and Sustainability launched a volunteer businesses ambassador program. City staff trained volunteers to act as boosters, who helped local businessowners connect with one another. They developed a business inventory and organized focus groups with residents -- including older adults -- to create a civic engagement framework. Project organizers also engaged in placemaking efforts to increase foot traffic. One such project involved creating a mural in the nearby Albina neighborhood. The artwork depicts residents of all ages spending time in a local park. Additionally, the boosters developed plans for a new pocket park.
Portland, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: As Portland's housing costs climb, hundreds of households living in manufactured housing parks are at risk of losing their homes. To help residents with home upkeep, Verde provided critical home repairs to seven mobile homes in the Cully neighborhood. The repairs addressed health and safety issues impacting low-income older adults, people with disabilities and families with children. Additionally, the work provided an opportunity for experienced volunteers to share their skills with residents who are new to home repair.
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