Forsyth County, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Supporting family caregivers

Description: Many older adults lacked clear, trusted sources for aging-related services. Age-Friendly Forsyth launched a volunteer-driven program that trained 46 Aging Services Ambassadors-most age 50-plus-to share resources and guidance in their communities. Volunteers learned empathetic communication and received resource notebooks and emergency "File of Life" packets for distribution. The initiative created a sustainable model for advocacy and improved awareness of local support systems. One advocate said they valued learning about the programs and services available to him, and felt empowered to help neighbors.

Salisbury, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Bikeability

Description: Rowan Helping Ministries lacked secure bike parking for people accessing meals, shelter and transitional housing, many of whom are older adults relying on bicycles. The project installed both large and small racks at four campus locations and added concrete pads for stability, replacing unsafe practices like chaining bikes to handrails. The racks are already in steady use. One patron said he was grateful to have a place to leave his bike while he went inside. The effort has sparked partnerships to expand bike infrastructure countywide, supporting mobility and independence for residents.