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Zion United Methodist Church (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
A neglected community garden limited access for older adults and residents with disabilities. The project repaired ADA garden beds, fixed water lines and improved stone pavement for safety. Volunteers joined in planting, pruning and harvesting, while others learned maintenance skills. The revitalized space became a hub for healthy activity and social connection, with one participant noting it now feels welcoming for everyone, fostering unity and shared purpose.
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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Wilton, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The library's garden lacked features that encouraged lingering and accessibility for older adults. Volunteers age 50-plus helped redesign the space, adding shade, comfortable seating and sensory elements to make it more inviting. These upgrades boosted traffic and interest in garden programs, and plans now include creating zones like pollinator and sensory areas with detailed signage. The garden has become a focal point for community events and ongoing programming, fostering engagement among older adults and other residents.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Lawrence, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Residents in an affordable housing community faced food insecurity and limited access to gardening. Home Works USA improved its garden by adding raised beds for accessibility, installing fencing to deter deer and hosting a free indoor farmers market for older adults and neighbors. Volunteers of all ages worked together, sharing skills and building relationships. The upgrades created a safer, more inviting space for intergenerational gardening and fresh food distribution. One volunteer commented that he and others were excited to finally get back to gardening again.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Brevard, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Families lacked a shared space for growing food and learning healthy habits. The project expanded a community garden with a 50-by-50-foot section and engaged retired tutors and students in planting activities. Gardening became a therapeutic activity that strengthened relationships and encouraged intergenerational learning. The space now serves as a hub for wellness and education, with plans for classes, volunteer recruitment and partnerships to grow participation and promote healthy eating.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
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.
Las Vegas, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Supporting family caregivers
Description: The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas provides diagnosis and ongoing treatment for patients with cognitive disorders. It also offers support services and integrates research and education into its work. The center established an online community to provide resources for patients and families, caregivers, health care providers and others who are affected by dementia. Today, people in southern Nevada can find information and connect to services through Dementiafriendlynevada.org.
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