Columbus, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Emergency preparedness skills

Description: Frequent tornadoes and flooding put older adults with mobility or medical needs at high risk. To improve readiness, Franklin County Public Health distributed 160 emergency kits with essentials like flashlights, first aid supplies and convertible bags on wheels. They paired this with disaster planning education at more than 20 community events, including tips for pets and service animals. The effort boosted awareness, strengthened partnerships and set a model for future programs. This helps lay the groundwork for sustained outreach and policy advocacy to protect vulnerable residents.

Columbus, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: The International Harvest Garden lacked shade and seating, leaving gardeners age 50-plus and families without a comfortable place to rest or gather. The project added a picnic table with side access for mobility aids, a shade trellis and improved walkways for easier navigation. These upgrades will support cultural events and reduce isolation, with volunteers saying the changes will make the garden "a sanctuary as well as a place of growth and education."