Brevard, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Disaster Preparedness

Description: After Hurricane Helene, many residents, including older adults, continued to experience emotional strain while also recognizing how unprepared they had been for the disaster. Recovery efforts largely focused on physical damage, leaving fewer opportunities to address grief, anniversary reactions and survivor guilt. City of Brevard hosted in-person workshops that combined hands-on disaster preparedness with guided conversations about emotional recovery. Participants received starter emergency kits and clear checklists while learning how emotional health connects to preparedness. A documentary film captured local voices and lessons from the storm, extending the reach of the workshops. Many participants reported plans to assemble go-bags and organize documents, and the film is now being reused as a training resource to support longer-term community resilience.

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

Frederiksted, VI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Disaster Preparedness

Description: Older adults in Frederiksted face serious risks during hurricanes, especially when managing medications, medical equipment and evacuation decisions. Tradewind Foundation addressed that gap by hosting hands-on disaster preparedness training sessions focused on practical steps residents could take before storms hit. Participants learned how to build emergency plans, organize supplies, protect medications and communicate with family and caregivers. Preparedness resources were also distributed for continued use at home. One participant said the training replaced uncertainty with a clear plan for handling medical needs during hurricane season. By improving household readiness and confidence, the project helped older adults feel safer staying in their homes during future emergencies.

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

Denville, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Disaster Preparedness

Description: This project will offer in-person and virtual disaster pre-planning training sessions. Participants will receive emergency supply checklists and 72-hour survival backpack kits.