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Wells, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: In rural Nevada, many older adults struggled with isolation and limited digital access, leaving them cut off from family and health care providers. To bridge this divide, the foundation installed laptops and tablets at centers in Wells and Carlin. It recruited local high school students to teach older residents how to use email, video calls and the internet safely. The sessions drew growing interest, with many reporting newfound confidence and eagerness to keep learning. The project not only built digital skills but also lasting connections between generations and within the community. One participant, after learning to use video chat for the first time, tearfully said she was "so happy" to finally see her granddaughter again.
Reno, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Older adults in Reno faced isolation and barriers to vital information because they lacked digital skills, compounded by transportation and language challenges. The city launched Senior Tech Connect classes in English and Spanish, teaching smartphone basics and advanced features like emergency contacts and medical IDs. Nearly 200 participants gained confidence, supported by bilingual volunteers and take-home materials. The program reduced isolation and boosted independence, prompting plans for expanded sessions. One participant said, "Before attending, my phone felt intimidating... now it's a tool I can enjoy," showing how digital literacy transformed daily life.
El Dorado, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Union County's digital divide left many older adults without internet access or basic tech skills, limiting their ability to bank online or connect with family. SouthArk launched SouthArk Connections, hosting six classes on computer basics, cybersecurity and financial literacy, and provided laptops for use beyond class time. Specialized sessions supported veterans and people with disabilities. Participants gained confidence and reduced isolation, with partnerships ensuring ongoing classes and outreach. One attendee said, "This class has helped me feel more comfortable with computers...I'm so thankful for this class and our wonderful instructor."
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Spokane, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
Description: Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners launched Neighbors on the Go, a volunteer driver program to transport older adults and individuals with disabilities to medical appointments. To raise awareness of the service and assure riders that the drivers had been vetted, SNAP set out to brand the program. They distributed brochures about Neighbors on the Go to local community centers and health clinics. In addition, SNAP equipped each volunteer vehicle with magnetic door decals and provided SNAP-branded polo shirts and name tags to drivers. SNAP also hosted training sessions with new volunteer drivers and provided them with personal protective equipment to keep them safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spokane, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The project addressed the shortage of accessible gardening space for older adults and other residents who wanted a nearby place to grow food and connect with others in Spokane. Adding new raised beds expanded opportunities for people to garden without bending or lifting, and recruitment focused on participants from the community center. The expansion strengthened interest in the garden, encouraged new gardeners to join and helped lay the groundwork for future upgrades, including plans for an accessible path and a composting station. A neighbor who saw the beds being built said she looked forward to having a place close to home where her family could grow food.
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