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Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Engaging residents in vibrant public places
└ Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Kentucky has one of the highest rates of grandparents raising grandchildren, yet resources for older caregivers are scarce. To address this, PCAK partnered with 10 Cooperative Extension Offices to host Grandparents Day events featuring activities like planting trees and building mini library boxes. Each event provided educational materials, including a new guide called "Parenting and Caregiving Over 50". The gatherings strengthened intergenerational bonds and created lasting improvements such as library boxes and landscaping. "Overhearing the conversations between the grandparents and the grandchildren was so positive... connections can be made in the simplest things," one organizer said.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Atlanta, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: A covered wooden pavilion will be constructed in the local park for meetings, meals and community events. The structure will provide a reliable gathering place with shelter from sun and bad weather for older residents.
State College, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: To help localities gather feedback from residents about local livability, this project developed a guide to community engagement techniques. The pilot project, called One Community - Many Generations, also included an online assessment tool. To test the guide and virtual survey tool, project organizers convened community members -- including elected leaders -- who used the online tool to share their feedback, followed by a virtual conversation. Input from residents led the University to purchase stone benches, which they installed in downtown State College, giving people an outdoor gathering space. Since then, working groups formed during the pilot have continued to improve the community. Recent projects include trash cleanup, improved signage and intergenerational events.
Oxford, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: The organization will install “chat benches” in parks and along trails, each with posted conversation prompts to help people chat with volunteers. These benches will make it easier for older adults to meet others and feel welcome at public events.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Hazard, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: In rural Kentucky, many older adults lacked affordable medical equipment and children with disabilities faced barriers to play. The CARAT-TOP program expanded a makerspace to refurbish wheelchairs and walkers and adapt toys, engaging high school students and retired mentors. Between October and January, 37 residents received equipment, and adapted toys were donated to an elementary school. "Our students have become leaders and innovative thinkers," said a local principal. The new center will serve as a model for other communities.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Lexington, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and manufactured housing
Description: An anticipated change in Lexington's zoning laws to permit accessory dwelling units inspired the creation of a Homeowner's Guide to Accessory Dwelling Units. To build interest in ADUs and provide examples for the publication, the University of Kentucky School of Design hosted a design competition for students and alumni. Cash prizes were awarded to the first, second and third place winners from each group. "The ADU manual that came out of the grant -- a tangible document that people can have in their hands to understand what we're talking about -- was crucial to helping us convey the message we needed in order to bring about change," said Chris Woodall, manager of long-range planning for the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.
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