Little Rock, AR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Entrepreneurship and improved economic resilience

Description: Older farmers in rural Arkansas faced barriers to market access and lacked essential resources for production and food safety. WSBZ Farms addressed this by providing a greenhouse for seed germination, distributing seeds and plants, and building a commercial kitchen with a covered wash station, cold storage and scale. The project also launched a co-op of 35 farmers, most age 50-plus, fostering collaboration and resource sharing. These improvements removed major obstacles to selling produce and strengthened economic resilience. "I'm grateful we now have access to a community kitchen that allows me to grow both personally and professionally," said one farmer.

Memphis, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Entrepreneurship and improved economic resilience

Description: Many Memphis families lack affordable estate planning, leaving homes vulnerable to probate and loss. To address this, the Community Legal Center held 18 free clinics at local centers and libraries, serving nearly 300 residents, mostly older adults. Volunteer attorneys drafted wills, powers of attorney and advance directives, with local council members organizing sessions in their districts. The effort preserved property titles and reduced foreclosure risk. One participant resolved a tangled inheritance involving multiple heirs, ensuring rightful ownership and peace of mind for future generations. The model is now prompting ongoing clinics and attorney training.

Augusta, GA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Entrepreneurship and improved economic resilience

Description: This project set out to create vendor stalls near the Jessye Norman School of the Arts building, with the goal of holding regular artists markets. The school purchased benches and kiosks for participating vendors to display their goods. The school then held a street market where artists could sell their work. Organizers say they plan to expand the market in the future and hope it will become a regular event, increasing foot traffic and economic activity in the neighborhood.