Shelbyville, KY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Disaster Preparedness

Description: Older adults in the community often lacked clear plans for how to respond to severe weather and other emergencies. This left them unsure about evacuation steps, supplies and communication. Marnel C. Moorman Family Life Center addressed this gap through hands-on preparedness sessions that focused on practical planning, first aid basics and emergency alerts. Participants created personal emergency plans and received checklists, local contact information and preparedness resources they could use at home. The sessions also encouraged people to talk through plans with family and neighbors. This strengthened informal support networks. One participant shared, "I created an emergency plan, learned how to use my supplies and even helped my neighbor update theirs. I feel safer." By building skills and confidence, the project helped older adults take concrete steps toward being better prepared when emergencies occur.

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

Tucson, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Disaster Preparedness

Description: Extreme heat poses serious risks for older adults who may not know how quickly heat stress develops. The Council held two trainings where attendees learned practical ways to stay safe, including early warning signs and low-cost cooling strategies, supported by materials from county health partners and the American Red Cross. Participants said they were thrilled to gain new guidance. The effort encouraged neighbors to share tips and allowed the Council to continue distributing remaining educational materials.

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

Appleton, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Disaster Preparedness

Description: Friends of the Appleton Fire Department focused on preparedness gaps among older adults living in assisted living communities, where many residents lacked clear guidance and basic supplies to manage everyday emergencies or larger disasters. Fire Department and Emergency Management staff led on-site preparedness sessions that broke complex topics into practical steps and invited residents to ask questions. The project also distributed disaster preparedness kits designed to support both daily safety needs and emergency response. Participants reported that the information was new, easier to act on than past handouts and reduced anxiety by making planning feel manageable. Several residents sought follow-up guidance on evacuation routes and kit items, signaling increased readiness. Strong engagement led to requests for additional presentations, positioning the project as a foundation for broader community preparedness outreach.

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