Shreve, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Cracked and uneven sidewalks made walking unsafe near parks, the library and downtown, limiting mobility for older adults and families. The village organized walk audits with residents and shared findings at a community meeting. It then launched the Sidewalk Improvement Partnership Program, pairing homeowners with the village for repairs. The initiative sparked council involvement and set priorities for phased upgrades, creating a path toward safer, more walkable streets. As one volunteer noted, "I had never fully recognized the challenging experience it could be for elderly individuals, people with disabilities, or those with baby strollers."

New York, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: This project will map the walkability and accessibility of three New York City neighborhoods. The data will be shared with city officials, the community, and local businesses to discuss improvements.

Decatur, TX

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Older adults in a rural Texas community faced safety concerns near a busy adult center that serves hundreds weekly. To address immediate needs, the organization removed 12 older adults from its Meals on Wheels waiting list, ensuring they received regular meals and support. This step strengthened connections and reinforced long-term trust. One project leader noted the importance of this project for ensuring that essential services to those in need, particularly those who were underserved, are sustained.