Burlington, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety

Description: Rising traffic in Burlington's Old East End made walking hazardous, especially for older adults, threatening safety and social connection. The coalition organized walk audits and produced a report that guided upgrades. Temporary fixes included repainting crosswalks and adding stop signs, while permanent improvements featured a radar speed sign and a community kiosk. These changes improved visibility and fostered neighborhood engagement. One resident said, "It's nice to see traffic abatement near the apartments... really appreciate the collective energy and focus on neighborhood quality issues."

Burlington, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Bringing resident insight and volunteer power into local government

Description: To equip recent immigrants with skills to become more civically active, this project held trainings on how to engage with government officials. The Vermont New American Advisory Council partnered with the Association of Africans Living in Vermont to host a town hall, which focused on how local and federal government works. Participants included newcomers to the U.S., including former refugees, who learned effective ways to contact lawmakers and ask for their assistance. The nonprofits recorded the virtual town hall -- as well as short testimonials from participants -- so they can publish videos online to reach a wider audience. Project organizers say the training expanded access to people who are otherwise left out of important conversations due to language and cultural barriers.