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Seattle, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: To increase their independence and mobility, Sound Generations partnered with antipoverty organization Hopelink to help residents understand and access local public transportation options. The two organizations hosted a guided excursion for a small group of older adults. They helped build participants' confidence using buses and light rail to reach cultural and educational sites, outdoor events and social services agencies. Excursion leaders gave instruction in tasks such as using fare machines and planning a trip with the King County Metro app. To accommodate non-native English speakers, they also provided translators. Today, Hopelink continues to provide resources to help older adults navigate public transportation.
Minneapolis, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: To help people become less reliant on driving to get around, Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota hosted Bikeable Community Workshops in eight municipalities. Each workshop provided community leaders with resources to make their neighborhoods more accessible and bikeable. Participants included elected officials, city staff, local nonprofits and small business owners. Following the events, BikeMN team members provided on-the-ground technical assistance and expertise to the eight host communities. Participating community leaders and bicycle advocates also formed steering committees to work on bike-friendly community goals going forward.
Providence, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: Older adults in Providence faced unsafe streets and long delays for repairs, limiting mobility in neighborhoods with high crash rates. The coalition launched six Walk, Talk & Chalk events where residents and civic leaders walked routes, marked hazards with chalk and shared meals to build trust. These gatherings captured real-time feedback on sidewalks and curb ramps and strengthened ties between residents and officials. The effort sparked plans for a sidewalk funding campaign and encouraged elected leaders to hold walking meetings, advancing equity in aging and safer streets.
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Burlington, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Older adults and riders with mobility challenges often waited on uneven surfaces at Burlington-area bus stops lacking seating and ADA-compliant pads. GMT addressed this by installing five compact benches and four slip-resistant concrete pads at high-ridership stops near local communities. The project also featured a Ride Together event where older residents learned to navigate schedules, apps and fare payment. These upgrades improved safety, comfort and visibility, and Burlington officials are considering expanding the seating model citywide. Early feedback has been positive, with riders and community members praising the benches and noting increased use.
Burlington, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Bringing resident insight and volunteer power into local government
Description: To equip recent immigrants with skills to become more civically active, this project held trainings on how to engage with government officials. The Vermont New American Advisory Council partnered with the Association of Africans Living in Vermont to host a town hall, which focused on how local and federal government works. Participants included newcomers to the U.S., including former refugees, who learned effective ways to contact lawmakers and ask for their assistance. The nonprofits recorded the virtual town hall -- as well as short testimonials from participants -- so they can publish videos online to reach a wider audience. Project organizers say the training expanded access to people who are otherwise left out of important conversations due to language and cultural barriers.
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