See More Projects Like This One

Memphis, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Digital navigation skills

Description: In South Memphis, many older adults lacked computer skills, leaving them disconnected from telehealth, finances and job opportunities. Mustard Seed addressed this by hosting a six-week course at its ACTION Center, covering internet safety, smartphone basics and fraud prevention, with one-on-one support from volunteers. The curriculum, co-designed with older adults and delivered in partnership with CodeCrew, gave participants practical skills for banking, shopping and virtual meetings. Graduates now feel confident using technology, and demand for intermediate classes is growing. One participant noted how much he enjoyed the class, and mentioned that the instructors were very helpful and the class made things much easier for him.

Honolulu, HI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Digital navigation skills

Description: This project will expand U.S.VETS Career Center to a new satellite office on the Wai'anae Coast. Upgrades include new computers, transportation vouchers, and partnerships with local employers.

San Juan, PR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Digital navigation skills

Description: Older adults in Puerto Rico often struggle with digital illiteracy, leaving them disconnected from family and vital services. Centro Ines tackled this by offering small-group courses on tablets and smartphones. Common apps for entertainment, staying connected with friends and navigation were taught, as well as skills for managing medical appointments and voting online. Volunteers provided hands-on support to build confidence. Graduates now use technology to stay in touch with loved ones, access health resources and prepare for emergencies like hurricanes. One participant noted how helpful this course has been for himself and other residents.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Laurel, MS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public spaces improvements to increase high-speed internet availability

Description: In rural Jones County, many older adults faced isolation and limited access to books, technology and health resources due to poverty and transportation barriers. The library transformed a rundown trolley into LOTTIE, a mobile hub equipped with Wi-Fi, laptops, books and programming supplies. It now delivers technology classes, health clinics and library services directly to neighborhoods and care centers. This has helped bridge the digital divide and served to foster increased social connection. One patron in her late 70s said receiving books and audiobooks at home after months of isolation "made me cry," showing how the project restored joy and independence for older residents.

Hattiesburg, MS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Duncan Lake Park in Hattiesburg's East Jerusalem neighborhood is popular with residents, yet many of the park's amenities were in disrepair. To give the park new life, Hattiesburg Landmark Preservation refurbished picnic tables with new tops featuring painted checkerboards. They also installed new benches, added a wheelchair-accessible sidewalk and created two murals depicting native plants and animals. Today, the park hosts free arts programming for residents of all ages.

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

mail icon

Don't see your community listed?

LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORK

Connect 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 Mississippi State Office

141 Township Avenue
Suite 302
Ridgeland, MS 39157
United States

Phone: 866-554-5382
Fax: 601-898-5429
Email: [email protected]