Rochester, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: The organization will install ADA-compliant benches and clear transit wayfinding signage along a key transit corridor. These upgrades will reduce walking strain, improve navigation and support independence for older residents.

Rochester, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Digital navigation skills

Description: Many cancer patients age 50 and over struggled to use digital tools needed for care, from patient portals to video visits, increasing stress during treatment and deepening isolation. Cancer Support Community at Gilda's Club Rochester responded with its Digital Sherpa program, offering hands-on group sessions and one-on-one support focused on practical skills. Participants learned how to use video platforms, navigate patient portals, search for reliable health information and safely use phones, tablets and computers. More than skills were gained. Participants reported feeling more confident managing appointments, communicating with care teams and staying connected with others. One participant said, "Before, I'd sit in doctor's appointments nodding along. Now I come prepared with questions from my patient portal and can actually advocate for what I need," underscoring how digital confidence translated into greater self-advocacy and connection during a difficult period.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.