Thermopolis, WY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options

Description: In a county with a high share of residents age 50 and over, many older adults faced safety risks at home and limited access to clear, practical guidance on emergency preparedness. Hot Springs County Senior Citizens Center addressed these gaps through workshops, a community resource fair and direct outreach. The program reached both regular visitors and residents new to the center, including people who are homebound. The project shared hands-on safety education and distributed emergency items, supported by local fire, law enforcement and emergency management partners. The effort strengthened local coordination and helped residents better understand where to turn for help. One family later used a fire blanket received through the project during a small kitchen fire, underscoring how accessible information and basic tools can make a difference. The center plans to continue the resource fair and build on new partnerships to keep safety education visible and ongoing.

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

West Sacramento, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options

Description: The City of West Sacramento wanted to improve older adults' ability to move independently around the community. First, the City identified barriers that kept residents from embracing new transportation services. Then they set out to make older adults aware of local rideshare and bikeshare offerings. To help older adults understand their options, the City held one-on-one trainings with individuals, as well as group training sessions. Additionally, they mailed informational fliers to residents. Data gathered during the pilot project enabled city staff to better understand how to structure programs in the future to maximize ridership among people of all ages. It also expanded many older adults' ability to run errands, meet up with friends and travel to medical appointments. Now we have options, one resident told city planners.

Rochester, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options

Description: Older adults lacked reliable transportation for groceries and medical care, forcing some to skip essential procedures. Lifespan expanded its Give a Lift program by creating two new stations, one serving a neighborhood and another for outpatient appointments. Volunteers were recruited and a training curriculum was developed. Events like Grocery Getters and a pop-up food pantry built trust and provided immediate help. The effort set the stage for ongoing service, with plans to maintain 20+ volunteers and serve 50+ residents annually. A local leader said, "This MUST be done" and was a catalyst to move the project forward.

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