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Sterling Heights, MI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Supporting family caregivers

Description: Many caregivers age 50-plus struggle with stress and isolation while managing complex care tasks without training. To address this, the foundation launched classes on self-care, financial literacy and stress management, hosted an introductory event for 68 participants, and provided bilingual workshops. It also conducted 27 home safety evaluations and distributed emergency preparedness bags. Caregivers reported feeling supported and less alone, forming friendships that eased depression. One participant said, "I met a lot of people my age... It made me feel good knowing there were other people like me taking care of their parent."

Cheyenne, WY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Supporting family caregivers

Description: Family caregivers in Wyoming often lacked guidance and emotional support, especially in rural areas. Catholic Charities expanded its Care for Caregiver workshop series to four parishes, offering sessions on topics like legal issues and brain health, plus curated books and recorded presentations for ongoing learning. The program strengthened caregiver confidence and built peer connections, with plans for annual sessions statewide. One participant said the resources arrived just in time to overcome stumbling blocks in their caregiving journey.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Chattanooga, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: To turn an unused space into a community asset, ELLA Library created raised beds that allow older adults to garden comfortably. A retiree led the effort, and monthly events brought neighbors together to share skills and grow produce. The project sparked long-term plans for food solidarity and education, including partnerships to expand growing areas and provide ongoing support. The initiative laid the foundation for a sustainable, intergenerational gardening program.

Chattanooga, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Digital navigation skills

Description: To help combat social isolation, the City of Chattanooga's Department of Youth and Family Development provided older adults with Chromebooks, mouses and hotspots to allow them to connect to the internet. Additionally, the City offered digital skills classes at several locations to help them use the devices. Project organizers say the COVID-19 pandemic limited opportunities for social interaction for many residents. This project provided vulnerable residents with internet access and know-how, allowing them to build and maintain interpersonal relationships.

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