Hartington, NE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options

Description: Community information sessions will be offered across rural towns served by on-demand transit. These sessions plus technology upgrades will help riders schedule trips more easily and support dependable access to medical care and daily needs.

Phoenix, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options

Description: In Phoenix, many older adults lack public transportation options and must rely on cars to get around. But organizers with Elaine report that many older adults -- and especially Black and Latino/a individuals -- don't drive or own their own cars. To address this, the nonprofit offered free, on-demand rides to medical appointments, job and housing interviews and errands, such as grocery shopping. Elaine provided more than 300 rides to unhoused and low-income older adults. The organization's drivers also received training to assist their passengers with shopping, paperwork and help them tackle the community's social support systems. Organizers report the rides specifically helped two older adult client secure stable housing.

Windham, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options

Description: Limited transportation left many Windham residents isolated and missing medical care, especially older adults and people with disabilities. Age-Friendly Windham expanded its volunteer driver program, funding ride coordination software, recruitment efforts and appreciation events. The program delivered over 200 rides for more than 60 residents and introduced tools like a volunteer handbook and driver safety kits. These efforts improved access to health care and community activities, reduced cancellations and built goodwill. One rider shared, "You make my impossible, possible. I give thanks every day."

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