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Newark, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Newark's Central Ward struggles with food insecurity, leaving older adults and families without access to fresh produce. To address this, the organization expanded a school-based garden at Louise A. Spencer Elementary, adding beds designed for older adults and providing adaptive tools. Residents now maintain the garden during summer, ensuring sustainability and fostering intergenerational ties. One student said gardening with his grandmother "reminds him of his dad and helps him feel close to his culture."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Kihei, HI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Central Maui faces high food costs and limited access to local produce, leaving many residents concerned about rising grocery bills and few places to learn sustainable growing practices. Grow Some Good expanded the Na Mala Kaiaulu agroforest by planting fruit trees and native plants, adding ADA benches and hosting workshops for adults age 50-plus that blended cultural knowledge with gardening skills. Volunteers helped guide planting decisions and shape programming. As the canopy grows, the space will offer more shade and produce, helping households facing food insecurity. One participant said the farm provides a healing place that strengthens family resilience.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Montclair, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Many older adults lacked outdoor spaces for gardening, limiting chances for physical activity and social connection. The project built four waist-high raised beds with wide ADA-compliant paths and fencing, installed rain barrels and signage, and launched a seven-week gardening course in partnership with Montclair Community Farms. Local scouts helped assemble the garden. Residents have expressed how thrilled they are to have this available, adding that they now have a space that fosters pride and engagement.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Mesa, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Supporting family caregivers
Description: Families caring for loved ones with dementia often face isolation, safety concerns and limited access to resources. Oakwood Creative Care launched its Dementia Hub to address these challenges, hosting weekly engagement classes and 84 educational sessions for older adults and caregivers. Programs included art and music activities, exercise classes and COPE training, while the "Dementia Experience" gave caregivers immersive insight into dementia care. The initiative improved home safety and caregiver confidence and reduced isolation. It also helped foster social connection through Memory Cafes and a choir. One participant said, "This program is the best thing I've had in the last 13 years."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Mesa, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public safety interventions
Description: This project will create an artistic crosswalk and update curbs for ADA compliance near a neighborhood park. The initiative aims to increase safety and access for all residents, especially those age 50-plus.
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