Lake Charles, LA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public space improvements to support recovery after extreme weather events

Description: After four major disasters in two years, many residents lacked safe spaces and internet access to complete digital recovery applications. To close this gap, the project equipped churches with generators, Starlink kits, laptops and tablets. This helped create cooling centers and digital hubs that broadcast free Wi-Fi to surrounding areas. These hubs ensure older adults can access vital resources and stay connected during emergencies. Plans include volunteer training and protocols to maintain disaster readiness.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Ville Platte, LA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: The Tee Cotton Bowl is an annual high school football game -- and week-long event -- that promotes racial reconciliation. As part of local revitalization efforts, the Acosta Foundation engaged a team of multigenerational volunteers to create a 100-foot-long mural as a symbol of the community coming together. A small, landscaped seating area allows visitors to enjoy the artwork, with LED lighting illuminating the mural. Volunteers hailed from all parts of the city and worked on all elements of the project, from cleaning the wall to hosting a celebratory party during the Bowl. The project's success sparked creation of another mural on the grounds of Ville Platt's city hall.