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Lifespan of Greater Rochester Inc. (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
└ Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
Older adults lacked reliable transportation for groceries and medical care, forcing some to skip essential procedures. Lifespan expanded its Give a Lift program by creating two new stations, one serving a neighborhood and another for outpatient appointments. Volunteers were recruited and a training curriculum was developed. Events like Grocery Getters and a pop-up food pantry built trust and provided immediate help. The effort set the stage for ongoing service, with plans to maintain 20+ volunteers and serve 50+ residents annually. A local leader said, "This MUST be done" and was a catalyst to move the project forward.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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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."
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.
Chicago, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
Description: Many older adults in suburban Chicago lacked affordable transportation, leaving them isolated and missing medical care. SafeLIGHT partnered with municipalities to provide free and discounted rides for essential trips, offering more than 2,000 rides and hosting outreach events to promote the program. Participants used the service for doctor visits, groceries and banking, restoring independence and reducing stress. "This program has been a godsend," said one social worker, noting its impact on residents with health issues.
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Rochester, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
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Rochester, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Developing projects based on residents' priorities
Description: In the 1950s, construction of U.S. Interstate 490 split Rochester's 16th Ward in two. In recent years, the City of Rochester removed the highway. Hinge Neighbors hoped to bridge the gap between neighbors on either side of the expressway and explore their shared history. To do this, the organization closed the Scio Street Bridge to vehicle traffic. They then created a pop-up community gathering space on bridge, which once spanned the interstate. To activate the space, project organizers added tables, benches, planters and fruit trees. Kiosks displayed information about the neighborhoods, both before and after the highway. Additionally, the event featured live music and food, and organizers provided resources related to community health, design and equity. Since the pop-up event, Hinge Neighbors has worked to include community input in local design plans as Rochester fills in the removed expressway.
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