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International Falls, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Digital navigation skills

Description: Older adults in rural Koochiching County lacked devices and digital skills, leaving them isolated from health care and social connections. The project offered free laptops and classes on basics and online safety, with additional laptops purchased for future sessions. Participants now use technology for telehealth, work and staying connected. One woman said, "Now more than ever, I need to be in contact with my friends... I video chat weekly and use my provider's online portal," explaining how her new laptop was vital after losing her son.

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

Denver, CO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Digital navigation skills

Description: Many older adults in Montbello lacked digital skills needed to access online services and stay connected. The committee expanded its training center and delivered an eight-week program that taught computer basics, file management, word processing, spreadsheets, email and digital safety. They added five computers and integrated skills into other programs. Participants reported greater confidence and independence. One participant said that she had always feared "breaking the computer", but now uses it comfortably to manage essential tasks.

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

San Antonio, TX

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Digital navigation skills

Description: Older adults in Opportunity Home communities faced a deep digital divide, lacking devices and skills to manage health care, benefits and communication. The project installed laptop computers in 11 properties and provided additional laptops for classes led by Older Adults Technology Services. Across nine sites, 35 courses delivered 90 hours of instruction, with nearly 100 graduates gaining confidence to navigate online services and connect with family. The initiative reduced isolation, created peer support networks and eliminated barriers like transportation costs. This has positioned the community for sustained digital inclusion and future partnerships.

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

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Jersey City, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: To give residents at Marion Gardens the opportunity to gather, project organizers beautified a concrete area onsite. Residents of the public housing complex came together to plant trees, shrubs and flowers in an area of the property prone to flooding, with the new foliage acting as green infrastructure to absorb rainwater. To ensure care of the new trees long-term, project organizers also created a tree maintenance manual with pruning techniques and other tips. Since the planting, organizers have worked to plan a mural at the site.

New York, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Developing projects based on residents' priorities

Description: Older adults in low-income neighborhoods faced isolation and limited access to cultural programs, challenges worsened by the pandemic. The Grandparent Resource Center expanded its Intergenerational Cultural Workshop Series to four NYCHA sites, hosting 16 sessions on dance, mosaics and other arts. Outreach engaged residents age 50-plus and their families. The workshops strengthened family bonds and community ties, with participants feeling more connected. "I would love to see more classes like this, it helps people stay connected," said one attendee. Plans are underway to secure funding for future sessions.

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

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