Philadelphia, PA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Entrepreneurship and improved economic resilience

Description: This project allowed Mt. Airy Community Development Corporation to intentionally recruit local older adults to take part in its PhillyiHub entrepreneurship program. Project organizers recruited a cohort of older adult entrepreneurs and held a series of virtual workshops to help them develop their businesses. Workshop topics include financing, business operations, marketing and branding. The six-week program provides one-on-one assistance with business growth planning and gives business owners a chance to network with each other. Project organizers say the older adults were engaged and open participants.

Philadelphia, PA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

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

Description: Older adults in Philadelphia needed a welcoming space to connect and access technology. The organization converted unused office space into the Golden Age Cafe, a vibrant lounge offering coffee, baked goods and free Wi-Fi. Volunteers led the redesign and now manage the cafe, which hosts programs and combats isolation. "The cafe has a warm inviting atmosphere... a place to meet and relax," said a volunteer. The permanent space enhances Vernon Park and creates new revenue streams for sustainability.