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Progressive Pathways (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Disaster Resilience
└ Disaster Preparedness
└ Disaster Preparedness
Progressive Pathways set out to help residents think realistically about what they would need during summer storms and flooding, since many had never planned for an emergency or talked with neighbors about how to respond. The sessions encouraged people to consider items for their bug-out bags and opened conversations that helped neighbors understand how they could support one another. The gatherings also built new social networks and led to a partnerships that will extend preparedness resources. Residents left with clearer ideas about how to manage future emergencies and will receive ongoing materials and reminders.
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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Ithaca, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Many older adults lacked clear guidance on how to prepare for emergencies. Love Living at Home offered six trainings in community sites and online, reaching nearly 300 people with step-by-step instruction and materials like checklists and backpacks. Participants later installed alarms, purchased extinguishers and organized emergency kits. The program strengthened ties with county partners and increased awareness of future trainings. One attendee said the presentations were "very informative and helpful...thank you for making this very important training available!"
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Carbondale, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Trained volunteers will share fire preparedness materials at ten community events during the summer and early fall. Residents will receive clear guidance and supplies to support safer responses to wildfires and other emergencies.
Indianapolis, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: John Boner Neighborhood Centers addressed preparedness gaps facing older adults in community housing, where limited incomes and access to supplies can increase risk during fires, power outages and extreme winter weather. The project paired practical education with direct support by distributing fire safety and winter weather kits to residents age 50 and over. Distribution events created opportunities for staff to share safety guidance, check in on wellness needs and reinforce available resources. Residents left with tools they could use immediately and information they could apply over time, strengthening confidence and independence at home. One participant described the relief of having multiple needs met in one place after receiving both safety supplies and help accessing supportive footwear, calling the experience a "blessing." The project deepened trust between residents and staff and established a foundation for continued safety outreach and preparedness programming.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Minneapolis, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and manufactured housing
Description: Minneapolis faces a housing affordability crisis, leaving older adults and others with few options. Mill City Church launched IMBY to showcase accessory dwelling units as a solution, hosting two demonstration events, furnishing a model unit for immersive experiences and producing a short documentary. The effort raised awareness and mobilized advocates to consider ADUs for housing diversity. "We didn't really think about our backyard in terms of being a potential solution... but now we're considering building an ADU and being a part of the solution," said one participant.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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.
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