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Gather (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
Residents of Atlantic Heights Senior Housing faced barriers to fresh food and outdoor activity, leaving many isolated. Gather partnered with the housing authority to build four raised garden beds, install a watering system and provide seasonal plants. Twenty residents helped plan, plant and maintain vegetables, herbs and flowers. The gardens now offer a sustainable source of produce, improve nutrition and foster social connection while removing mobility barriers. Success has inspired plans for gardening workshops and expansion to other housing sites.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Kansas City, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The project tackled the challenge of a once-neglected lot that offered no inviting place for residents to sit or gather, reinforcing its reputation as an unsafe and unused space. The project added seating as a first step toward real progress in reclaiming the area, encouraging people to rest and converse. The improvements also reduced unwanted activity by showing that the site was becoming active again. Growing community interest supported future phases of the vision, and volunteers and interns continued stepping in to help at events. The upgrades sparked conversations about bringing similar spaces to other neighborhoods.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Jackson, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Older adults in Jackson lacked accessible ways to learn about healthy eating and gardening, leaving many disconnected from fresh food options. Grow Jackson responded by creating a garden program at a local community center, offering classes on nutrition, gardening and food saving. Participants gained hands-on experience with plants and shared knowledge in a welcoming space. The effort strengthened social ties and sparked plans for expanded programming next summer, ensuring continued engagement and healthier habits.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Washington, DC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Many older adults in Adams Morgan live in apartments without outdoor space, leaving them isolated and without access to fresh produce. Vida created a small garden where people could grow peppers, tomatoes and herbs central to their cuisine, teaching gardening skills and offering a sense of purpose. Volunteers described the joy of harvesting as "priceless." The project also strengthened community ties, with plans to expand the garden, integrate it into Vida's produce distribution program and involve neighbors in future growing efforts.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Portsmouth, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: A homeless shelter will add supportive seating, safety equipment and basic accessibility features in shared spaces. The changes will help older adults and people with disabilities move safely, rest comfortably and use common areas during the day.
Portsmouth, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Outdated technology at a key community venue limited accessibility for older adults in Portsmouth. WSCA upgraded audio and visual systems, added assisted listening devices and refreshed its Button Factory Stage with new signage and computers. Volunteers-many age 50-plus-repaired equipment and stretched resources, adding significant value to the project. These improvements transformed the space into an inclusive hub for arts and civic events, enabling clearer sound and easier use for all. The upgrades now allow WSCA to host more programs that foster intergenerational engagement and strengthen community connection.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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