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YMCA of Greater New Orleans (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Digital Connections
└ Digital navigation skills
└ Digital navigation skills
Older adults struggling with smartphone use faced isolation and difficulty managing daily tasks. To bridge this gap, the YMCA created curricula for cellphone use and offered small classes with one-on-one support. Participants learned essentials like turning devices on, managing apps and creating photo albums. The program helped 29 older adults gain confidence and stay connected with family, friends and health care providers. One participant said, "Now I am not alone in the world," after learning to video chat with her children using her phone, highlighting the programs impact on reducing isolation.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Las Vegas, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Older adults in Clark County faced barriers to reentering the workforce because many lacked basic digital skills needed for online applications and interviews. The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas launched training that covered email setup, job searches and video interviews, providing devices and hands-on support. More than 350 participants completed the program and 235 secured jobs. One graduate now works at the Academy's front desk, showing how digital literacy opened doors for employment and confidence in navigating today's tech-driven workplace.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Rochester, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Many cancer patients age 50 and over struggled to use digital tools needed for care, from patient portals to video visits, increasing stress during treatment and deepening isolation. Cancer Support Community at Gilda's Club Rochester responded with its Digital Sherpa program, offering hands-on group sessions and one-on-one support focused on practical skills. Participants learned how to use video platforms, navigate patient portals, search for reliable health information and safely use phones, tablets and computers. More than skills were gained. Participants reported feeling more confident managing appointments, communicating with care teams and staying connected with others. One participant said, "Before, I'd sit in doctor's appointments nodding along. Now I come prepared with questions from my patient portal and can actually advocate for what I need," underscoring how digital confidence translated into greater self-advocacy and connection during a difficult period.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Denver, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Older adults in the community faced barriers to digital access, leaving many isolated and unable to manage daily tasks or support small businesses. Centro San Juan Diego responded with classes on basic and intermediate computer skills focused on students age 50-plus. It served nearly 40 students who learned to navigate the internet and create documents, often for the first time. The program boosted confidence and inspired continued learning, with graduates volunteering to help peers and advocating for advanced topics like web design and payment processing. "It has been such a great experience... I have gained so much," said a former student turned volunteer.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
New Orleans, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Trails
Description: Construction of an ADA-accessible footbridge and walking path connected a community FitLot to the Lafitte Greenway, an active rails-to-trails pedestrian path. Before, people had to jump across a muddy stretch of grass to reach the fitness park from the greenway. Since the City of New Orleans suffers from one of the largest health disparity gaps in the nation, project organizers also set up a no-cost fitness program taught by professional trainers. The classes attract local older adults. "Every time I'm here they are very happy and motivated," trainer Natoya Wayne said. "They interact with each other and encourage each other during the session, and that motivates me."
New Orleans, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The Urban Conservancy addressed the lack of accessible, comfortable outdoor space in Gert Town, where older adults had few shaded places to walk, sit or gather near their homes. An unused lot offered little reason to enter and limited access points made it feel disconnected from the neighborhood. The project transformed the site into an inviting orchard and community space by adding an accessible walking path, shade structures, fruit trees, signage and a bike rack. New entrances made the space easier to reach and clearly signaled that neighbors were welcome. Older adults now have a place to spend time outdoors, connect with others and access fresh fruit, while ongoing use and planning are guiding future additions that will keep the space active and cared for.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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