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Shelbyville, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Older adults in the community often lacked clear plans for how to respond to severe weather and other emergencies. This left them unsure about evacuation steps, supplies and communication. Marnel C. Moorman Family Life Center addressed this gap through hands-on preparedness sessions that focused on practical planning, first aid basics and emergency alerts. Participants created personal emergency plans and received checklists, local contact information and preparedness resources they could use at home. The sessions also encouraged people to talk through plans with family and neighbors. This strengthened informal support networks. One participant shared, "I created an emergency plan, learned how to use my supplies and even helped my neighbor update theirs. I feel safer." By building skills and confidence, the project helped older adults take concrete steps toward being better prepared when emergencies occur.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Lake Dallas, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Multiple disaster preparedness training sessions and bilingual checklists will support emergency readiness among older library patrons. An online resource hub will extend access to preparedness information.
New York, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Preparedness trainings and support activities will help adults age 50 plus stay ready for emergencies. The project will improve safety and access to information within the neighborhood.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Chesapeake, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Residents in a low-income Chesapeake neighborhood lacked access to fresh food and safe spaces for social engagement. The project created an accessible community garden at a local library with raised beds, adaptive tools, wheelchair-friendly seating and Mobi-mat paths. Volunteers hosted a "Golden Age Garden Party" featuring health screenings, cooking demonstrations and chair yoga. The garden now provides fresh produce and a welcoming space for older adults to gather and exercise. "I now have access to fresh vegetables in my own backyard," said one resident.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Newport News, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: A community garden at a popular community center will be enhanced by adding accessible pathways, raised beds, seating and gathering space. These improvements will support gardening and social connection for residents age 50-plus.
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