AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
West Georgia Star (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
└ Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
West Georgia Star addressed the lack of public transportation in LaGrange by providing shuttle rides for older adults to grocery stores and doctor visits. The project also installed a community garden and hosted activities like bingo to foster social engagement. Volunteers supported transportation and garden construction, creating opportunities for fellowship and reducing isolation. These efforts improved mobility and laid the groundwork for future health clinics and expanded services, helping residents stay connected and active in a rural community with limited transit options.
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
Des Moines, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
Description: Older adults in central Iowa faced isolation and missed appointments because they lacked affordable, on-demand transportation. The project funded over 800 rides through a call-center program that let riders book ride-hailing trips without a smartphone. Trips included medical visits, grocery runs and social outings, helping participants stay connected and independent. One rider shared, "it makes us very happy to see each other!" after using the service to visit a lifelong friend in a care facility.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Rocklin, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
Description: Free on-demand rides will be offered to older adults in low-income housing. The service will reduce missed appointments and support independent living.
Kearney, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Expansion and enhancement of transportation options
Description: To help residents travel around town without driving, Kearney Works engaged drivers to travel along a set route, picking passengers up at strategically located pick-up locations. The organization recruited drivers from the City of Kearney's growing population of recently retired people. Passengers paid a nominal fee to share safe, reliable rides to their places of employment, childcare centers, job interviews and other destinations.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Opelika, AL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Organizers with Opelika Main Street hoped to draw more visitors downtown. To do this, they activated an underused public space by adding outdoor games. Volunteers installed a giant, colorful chess and checkers set, suitable for people of all ages to enjoy. Organizers say the new game center represents a safe place for residents of all ages to gather.
Newnan, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project set out to activate a neglected alleyway, which they christened Carnegie-Thompson Alley. The space connects to a planned trail system spanning downtown Newnan. To allow residents to gather in the space, project organizers purchased seating and lighting. Public art installations are planned for the site, as well as repaving to ensure accessibility.
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 Georgia State Office
999 Peachtree Street NE
Suite 1110
Atlanta, GA 30309
United States