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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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West Sacramento, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
Description: The City of West Sacramento wanted to improve older adults' ability to move independently around the community. First, the City identified barriers that kept residents from embracing new transportation services. Then they set out to make older adults aware of local rideshare and bikeshare offerings. To help older adults understand their options, the City held one-on-one trainings with individuals, as well as group training sessions. Additionally, they mailed informational fliers to residents. Data gathered during the pilot project enabled city staff to better understand how to structure programs in the future to maximize ridership among people of all ages. It also expanded many older adults' ability to run errands, meet up with friends and travel to medical appointments. Now we have options, one resident told city planners.
Thermopolis, WY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
Description: In a county with a high share of residents age 50 and over, many older adults faced safety risks at home and limited access to clear, practical guidance on emergency preparedness. Hot Springs County Senior Citizens Center addressed these gaps through workshops, a community resource fair and direct outreach. The program reached both regular visitors and residents new to the center, including people who are homebound. The project shared hands-on safety education and distributed emergency items, supported by local fire, law enforcement and emergency management partners. The effort strengthened local coordination and helped residents better understand where to turn for help. One family later used a fire blanket received through the project during a small kitchen fire, underscoring how accessible information and basic tools can make a difference. The center plans to continue the resource fair and build on new partnerships to keep safety education visible and ongoing.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Farmington, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
Description: In rural Franklin County, older adults faced severe transportation barriers, leaving many unable to reach medical appointments or groceries. United Way expanded its Community Rides volunteer driver program, recruiting and training drivers, distributing outreach materials and coordinating free rides. Riders reported fewer missed appointments and more social engagement. One participant said the service is "convenient, helpful and safe," while a volunteer noted, "It's hard to imagine not being able to get to places where and when I need to," underscoring its impact on independence and community ties.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Rochester, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Many cancer patients age 50 and over struggled to use digital tools needed for care, from patient portals to video visits, increasing stress during treatment and deepening isolation. Cancer Support Community at Gilda's Club Rochester responded with its Digital Sherpa program, offering hands-on group sessions and one-on-one support focused on practical skills. Participants learned how to use video platforms, navigate patient portals, search for reliable health information and safely use phones, tablets and computers. More than skills were gained. Participants reported feeling more confident managing appointments, communicating with care teams and staying connected with others. One participant said, "Before, I'd sit in doctor's appointments nodding along. Now I come prepared with questions from my patient portal and can actually advocate for what I need," underscoring how digital confidence translated into greater self-advocacy and connection during a difficult period.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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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