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United Way of Douglas County (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Public or private transit access
└ Public or private transit access
Many of Lawrence's bus stops lacked shelters or seating for waiting riders. As a temporary fix, people left lawn chairs, folding chairs and benches at the bus stops, which locals nicknamed shame benches. The United Way of Douglas County stepped in to install amenities at 15 bus stops, particularly in lower income areas with high ridership. Local youth created art to decorate five existing stops, with students at a local technical school constructing custom-built shelters for another five. Project organizers hope the upgrades make the transit system more accessible to older people, people with disabilities and anyone who can't easily stand on a curb.
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Lumberton, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Southeastern Life Center focused on a persistent barrier facing many residents: the lack of reliable, affordable transportation to reach everyday needs. For older adults with mobility challenges or fixed incomes, missed rides often meant missed medical appointments, limited access to food and fewer chances to stay socially connected. The project expanded door to door transportation and related support services, helping participants reach health care visits, grocery stores and community activities. Outreach and engagement efforts ensured the services reached people most affected by isolation and limited mobility. As a result, older adults reported improved access to essential resources and stronger social connections, supporting greater independence. By integrating these services into its core programs and strengthening local partnerships, the work is positioned to continue beyond the grant period and to support aging in place over time.
Woodbridge, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: This project will relocate a bus stop to a safer location near Fellowship House, an apartment complex for older adults with limited income. It will include a new shelter, concrete pad, and seating, improving accessibility.
Bainbridge Island, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: This pilot project aims to help older adults travel events at the local senior center, as well as shopping trips, medical appointments and cultural activities. Over a 12-week period, the senior center worked with volunteer and contracted drivers to provide transportation on weekdays. The center deployed its passenger bus, as well as a transit van and personal vehicles, to provide on-demand rides. Organizers say lessons learned during the pilot will inform plans for a permanent transportation program.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Lawrence, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project will enlarge a community garden next to an affordable housing community. Four raised beds will ensure accessibility for residents with disabilities, as well as for older volunteers. Excess produce will be donated to local food banks.
Gardner, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To generate community support for a planned greenspace in Gardiner, the City created a parklet. Organizers hoped the temporary installation -- created in the footprint of two on-street parking spaces -- would help residents envision the value of outdoor space improvements coming soon to city hall. The pop-up space consists of benches, a table, planters and shade canopies. The parklet's portable, modular design makes the space reconfigurable, allowing the City to set it up different locations -- even after implementation of its long-term park project.
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