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Cleveland, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Expanding High-Speed Internet
Description: This project will help 210 older adult residents in age-restricted apartments sign up for affordable internet service and provide basic computer skills training.
Birmingham, AL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Expanding High-Speed Internet
Description: Many older adults lacked the digital access and skills needed to receive alerts, reach family and neighbors and find reliable information during storms and other emergencies. That gap increased risk and left some residents less connected to local readiness efforts. Beanstalk addressed the problem by providing tablets and leading hands-on trainings tied to real emergency tasks. Participants learned to set up contacts, enable security features and use preparedness apps for weather alerts and local hazard updates. They practiced sending messages and checking alerts so those steps felt routine. The effort built confidence and created peer support: several attendees began helping others during sessions. One participant said, "I finally feel like Im catching up with the world again... Now I dont feel as isolated. I feel safer." The project expanded a base of tech-ready volunteers who can help neighbors stay informed and communicate when conditions change.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Pottsboro, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Expanding High-Speed Internet
Description: Many older adults in Pottsboro struggled with online tasks that are now essential for staying connected and accessing services. The library strengthened its Digital Navigator Program by offering one-on-one tech help, monthly Tech Tuesday sessions and a Cybersecurity Open House. Participants learned basic computer skills, safe social media use and how to avoid scams, while some received laptops or tablets to support ongoing learning. One participant who lost access to her hacked account said she was relieved and excited to be back in touch after staff helped her recover safely. The program is now a permanent service and will expand through mobile outreach and advanced workshops, giving older adults lasting support as they build confidence online.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Vanceboro, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Resources about housing options, safety and services
Description: Returning citizens in North Carolina often face homelessness and few safe housing options. Wash Away Unemployment built an ADA-compliant tiny home for a man over age 70 who had lived in a shelter for five years. More than 25 volunteers helped complete the project, which sparked local discussions about ordinances for similar housing. "This project gave me purpose," said one volunteer, reflecting the community engagement behind the build.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Trenton, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space improvements to support recovery after extreme weather events
Description: To honor first responders who saved lives during Hurricane Florence, the Town of Trenton planned to develop a new park. The green space's design focuses on mobility and includes a freshwater pond, memorial and gathering space for entertainment. Organizers hope the project helps the community as it recovers from the storm.
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