See More Projects Like This One

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.

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

mail icon

Don't see your community listed?

LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORK

Connect with your AARP State Office

AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

AARP Virginia State Office

901 E Byrd Street
Suite 1005
Richmond, VA 23219
United States

Phone: 866-542-8164
Fax: 804-819-1923
Email: [email protected]