Florence, KY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: Homeless residents and older adults in Florence relied on bicycles, but often lacked tools for safe repairs. The church installed a bike rack and repair station with community signage, offering free access to tools and a pump. Volunteers age 50-plus completed the installation, and guests now maintain bikes for transportation to showers, meals and jobs. The project promotes mobility and safety for those facing economic hardship.

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

Florence, KY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Digital Connections Other

Description: Many older adults struggled to manage everyday digital tasks, leaving them vulnerable to scams, missed services and digital disasters. The Development District trained a college student to deliver hands-on digital literacy classes tailored to older adults. Sessions covered online banking, medical portals, scam awareness and managing digital footprints. The model reached more than 100 participants, most age 50 or over, and challenged assumptions about who can teach technology effectively. Participants praised the patient instruction and individual follow-up, saying they felt more confident asking questions and using new skills.

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