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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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Jackson, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Flooded green space in Jackson left older adults with few options for healthy activity or fresh food. The district converted the area into community gardens with raised beds and buckets, inviting older adults from six counties to plant and maintain crops. Volunteers helped build the beds, and produce was shared locally. At one site, adults harvested enough tomatoes and cucumbers to make pickles and juice together, turning the project into a social experience that boosted physical and mental health.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Millersburg, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Gardeners faced a cumbersome irrigation setup that required long walks and manual water activation, making maintenance difficult for older adults. The borough installed a permanent underground water line and yard hydrant near the garden entrance, replacing a temporary hose system. This upgrade simplified watering and boosted accessibility. The garden now produces thousands of pounds of organic food for local distribution, and participants anticipate expanded use for therapeutic gardening. One gardener said, "Watering is SO much easier now" and noted how lack of water pressure had made garden upkeep difficult prior to the project.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Gloucester, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Many patients faced food insecurity, making it harder to manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. The clinic launched a food pantry and container garden, partnered with local groups and secured donated refrigerators and a freezer to store fresh produce. This effort began addressing a critical social determinant of health and sparked plans for a "food pharmacy" program tailored to chronic conditions.
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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