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Philadelphia, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Expanding HighSpeed Internet
Description: Older adults at Somerset Villas faced high internet costs and unreliable connections, limiting their ability to reach health information, communicate with family and handle essential online tasks. PCW installed long term free Wi-Fi across all floors, in apartments, common areas and outside seating areas. It also added 14 indoor access points, an outdoor unit and a rooftop antenna. The project initiated digital literacy events, cybersecurity sessions and one on one support visits that helped residents connect devices and build confidence. Some saved money by canceling paid service. One resident celebrated being able to stream familiar TV channels after PCW improved coverage near his unit.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Pottsboro, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Expanding HighSpeed 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.
Detroit, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Expanding HighSpeed Internet
Description: Older adults on Detroit's east side faced gaps in affordable internet access, devices and hands-on support, limiting their ability to manage daily tasks, stay informed and participate in community life. Eastside Community Network expanded its tech hub by upgrading wi-fi and equipment and providing shared tablets for community use. The grantee hosted two eight-week digital literacy classes for older adults covering email setup, online safety and basic smartphone use. In addition, transportation and follow-up help were offered. Participants reported greater confidence and stronger engagement. Upgrades and shared devices continued to support hundreds of residents, reinforcing the hub as a long-term access point.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Whitesburg, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Trails
Description: The Tanglewood Trail is a three-mile, lighted path that travels through Whitesburg's downtown. To make the trail more useable for people of all ages, Appalshop laid new blacktop to create even, at-grade pavement and installed benches at regular intervals to give people a place to rest. The path connects local businesses and allows residents to navigate downtown on foot. Project organizers say the trail will eventually connect to the 1,800-mile-long Great Eastern Trail.
Jenkins, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: Cracked sidewalks along Jenkins' main corridor made trips to the library, pharmacy and city hall risky for older adults in nearby housing. Appalshop repaired walkways and added wheelchair ramps, restoring safe access to essential services. A striking Luna Moth mural now anchors the corridor, symbolizing resilience after the 2022 flood and offering a space for reflection. Residents say the upgrades let them walk with confidence and reconnect socially, while the improvements set the stage for future projects like the planned Tanglewood Trail.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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