Kewanee, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: Many older adults wanted to stay independent at home but lacked practical guidance and low-cost tools to reduce fall risk. The city hosted two knowledge-sharing events on home safety and simple modifications, pairing demonstrations with free home fit devices and bilingual take-home guides. Staff also connected attendees to local partners for repairs and mobility support. The effort moved people from information to action: eight participants enrolled in and completed a balance class and neighbors exchanged numbers to keep learning together. Attendees expressed gratitude, and the events built confidence, sparked peer support and set up next steps to continue classes and expand assistance.

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

San Antonio, TX

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: Homeowners in San Antonio's repair program often lacked skills to maintain improvements, risking safety and costly fixes. To address this, six workshops trained 128 homeowners age 50-plus on plumbing basics, disaster prep and financial management. Trainers demonstrated safety tools like alarms and fire extinguishers, and participants received items to reinforce lessons. Afterward, all said they'd recommend the training, and the city reported no callbacks from attendees, showing a sign of lasting impact. One participant noted, "I learned about simple plumbing fixes that I can make myself."

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

West Allis, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, yet many homes lack basic safety features. To reduce risks, firefighters installed grab bars, raised toilet seats, shower chairs and bed transfer rails during home visits, along with walkers for those with mobility challenges. These changes helped older adults navigate their homes safely and maintain independence. One widow said the modifications gave her confidence to move without fear, adding, "It feels like someone truly cares about me and my safety."

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