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Alamogordo, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: When a major streetscape project threatened to cut off downtown access, Alamogordo MainStreet turned an unsafe alley into a welcoming corridor. Uneven surfaces and poor lighting were replaced with raised garden beds, ADA-compliant benches and pergolas with lighting. Eight murals were created by local artists and volunteers. The alley now hosts classes, food trucks and photo opportunities, and will provide safe access during construction. "Transforming our once overlooked alley into a vibrant, art-filled space is a game-changer... creating a sense of place and fostering community pride," said a city commissioner.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Washington, DC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Genesis residents lacked a safe, inviting outdoor space, leaving older adults and families isolated. The project installed 20 resident-painted mural panels, solar lights and a welcome sign, and redesigned the patio with movable seating for performances. A fall celebration with food and music marked the transformation. "The murals look so lovely, and the lighting makes this area feel more inviting," said one resident, noting how the space now fosters pride and connection across generations.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Pawtucket, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To enable older adults to exercise, socialize and enjoy nature, Pawtucket's Division of Senior Services created an outdoor activity center at Leon Mathieu Senior Center. They installed seating, planters and two large outdoor tabletop game stations. Project organizers also created an age-friendly playground for low-impact exercise, adding fitness and recreational equipment. The Senior Center provides services and programs for adults 55 and older and aims to encourage healthy aging and keep older residents connected to the community.
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Menlo Park, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
Description: Many older adults in the Bay Area say transportation is the biggest challenge they face. Those who cannot drive themselves risk missing medical appointments or increasing their social isolation. To address this, Peninsula Volunteers developed a transportation program that offers low cost, on-demand rides for older adults. This project expanded that program to reach residents living throughout San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. PVI provided hundreds of rides, helping residents attend doctors' appointments, do shopping and errands and participate in activities at local community centers. Additionally, the nonprofit held two workshops to teach older adults about transportation services available to them. "It makes me feel independent now. I go food shopping weekly now and that's helped immensely," one program participant said. "Sometimes I was going two whole days without eating anything because I didn't have any food in the house and I didn't want to beg for help from anyone."
Santa Cruz, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Many older adults in Santa Cruz County lacked clear guidance on preventing falls and had limited access to affordable home modifications that help them stay safe. The Volunteer Center held six fall-prevention workshops, including an online option for homebound residents, and partnered with local organizations to widen outreach. Through its Helping Hands program, volunteers installed 137 safety upgrades such as grab bars, railings and grip tape, making daily movement more secure. These permanent modifications supported long-term aging in place. One participant said the grab bars made their shower "feel safer... it's been a gift," highlighting how targeted improvements increased confidence and comfort at home.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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