Grounded Strategies (2019) Print

star-24px 2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee

Project Category

Public places
└ Community Gardens
Grounded Strategies transformed a vacant lot in Pittsburgh's Central Hill District into a community garden. The organization relied on what is calls its ReClaim Ambassador model, which connects experts with vulnerable communities to repurpose vacant land and revitalize neighborhoods. To create the Peace, Love and Friendship Garden, the ambassador for this project worked with corporate donors, volunteers and nonprofit partners. Meant to offset the closure of a local grocery store, the garden features 72 raised beds where residents can grow vegetables. Grounded Strategies is now working with partner organization Grow Pittsburgh to create programming for the space.

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Native American Fellowship Inc. (2024)

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AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project will create a community vegetable garden to grow Cherokee heirloom plants. The garden will feature raised beds and seating to accommodate older residents.

Delaware Center for Horticulture (2024)

Wilmington, DE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: The center will provide ergonomic gardening tools to designed for older adults and people with mobility and strength challenges. Tools include hori horis (soil or weeding knives), adjustable telescopic rakes, two-wheeled wheelbarrows and kneeling benches.

City of Reno (2025)

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AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project will provide fresh produce and educational programs for a diverse community in Reno. The garden features accessible, raised beds for older adults and hosts nutrition workshops, promoting health and community connection.

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Bike Pittsburgh (2023)

Pittsburgh, PA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

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Pittsburgh, PA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Micromobility enhancements/management

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