AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Vida Senior Centers (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
Many older adults in Adams Morgan live in apartments without outdoor space, leaving them isolated and without access to fresh produce. Vida created a small garden where people could grow peppers, tomatoes and herbs central to their cuisine, teaching gardening skills and offering a sense of purpose. Volunteers described the joy of harvesting as "priceless." The project also strengthened community ties, with plans to expand the garden, integrate it into Vida's produce distribution program and involve neighbors in future growing efforts.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Bowdoinham, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The Town of Bowdoinham provided elevated planters to six residents who, because of disabilities, could not maintain traditional, in-the-ground gardens. Members of the local Masons Lodge constructed the raised beds and delivered soil to each recipient. To showcase the planters, the Town hosted a community meal featuring local produce, which included a presentation about the benefits of raised beds. In addition, the Town founded a garden club, which meets monthly.
Bridgewater, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: After the pandemic heightened isolation, the town lacked an accessible outdoor space for older adults to gather and garden. The Senior Center installed ADA-compliant raised beds and developed a master plan to organize the area, informed by listening sessions with residents and local leaders. The project is paving the way for intergenerational gardening programs and a Garden Club, aiming to reduce loneliness and foster inclusion while creating a vibrant community hub.
Lexington, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Organizers with Seedleaf hoped to provide a more comfortable experience for the many older adults who maintain one of its free community gardens. To do this, Seedleaf provided ergonomic garden tools -- including shovels and trowels -- designed for people with arthritis to use. They also purchased portable, raised seats that gardeners can place alongside garden beds, as well as a foldable wagon to collect harvested vegetables and a shed to house the new tools. To provide a space for visitors to rest and socialize, the nonprofit worked with a local carpenter to build two sturdy, cedar benches.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Washington, DC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: This project will launch a community walkability and safety initiative to assess and improve pedestrian infrastructure. It aims to enhance mobility by identifying needed sidewalk and crosswalk improvements.
Washington, DC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places
Description: Organizers with Vida Senior Center were looking for ways to combat social isolation and create community cohesion during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many D.C. residents were practicing strict social distancing and remaining detached from their peers. To help people feel less isolated, Vida created Anos Dorados, a choir comprised of Spanish-speaking older adults. The choir performed virtually every Friday at the Center's weekly party. They also held eight free, in-person community concerts at events around the greater metropolitan area. Additionally, the choir produced a recording, which features seven songs reflecting Hispanic heritage.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP District of Columbia State Office
100 M Street SE
Suite 650
Washington, DC 20003
United States