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Lincoln, NE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Digital navigation skills

Description: Older adults in Lincoln faced barriers to using personal devices, limiting access to family, services and fraud protection. Pop-up workshops gave 139 participants hands-on help with their own devices, supported by college volunteers. Seventeen attendees received new tablets with setup assistance, and all learned to spot scams. The program boosted confidence and prompted libraries to expand digital literacy classes, while Aging Partners explores sustaining similar efforts.

Salt Lake County, UT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Digital navigation skills

Description: After the COVID-19 pandemic prevented older adults from visiting family, friends or medical offices, the University of Utah's Geriatric Psychiatry Clinic wanted to help people stuck at home connect virtually. The Clinic lent tablets to its patients, as well as to residents of local assisted living facilities and nursing homes. High school and college students volunteered to train recipients to use the tech. I really had to overcome my fear of technology to make it work, one participant told project organizers. The tutor did an excellent job of making me feel comfortable with the hardware and software. To help maintain interpersonal relationships, the Clinic also hosted a series of Conversation Cafes -- weekly virtual gatherings between residents and their family members.

Providence, RI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Digital navigation skills

Description: To combat isolation and bridge the digital divide, Mount Hope Community Center created a modern computer lab and offered hands-on classes for older adults. Participants learned essential skills like sending emails, navigating the internet and spotting scams, supported by volunteers and a dedicated instructor. The lab is now a permanent resource, and future workshops will expand to video calls and social media. One participant captured the impact: "What a great feat!" after emailing her child for the first time.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Worcester, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Pedestrian Safety

Description: This project will enhance safety and walkability along Pleasant Street by installing artistic crosswalks and wayfinding signage.

Devens, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: As part of larger efforts to create a community space that honors veterans, Clear Path for Veterans added Adirondack chairs and tables to the Devens Memorial Courtyard. Project organizers hope the space offers visitors the opportunity to sit and quietly reflect on those who have served the nation. The new seating is also set up to facilitate private, face-to-face mental health and integrative wellness coaching sessions -- ensuring veterans and their health care providers had a safe, outdoor space to meet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since installing the seating, Clear Path for Veterans has used the courtyard to host meetings with veterans and mental health professionals, as well as community meals and vaccination clinics.

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