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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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Chariton, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The library sought to turn unused land into an accessible outdoor space for learning and social connection, but the site lacked features for older adults and people with mobility challenges. With grant funding, the library purchased two accessible tables and outdoor light post/charging stations for a planned sensory garden. Benches were donated, and design work began with local students and master gardeners. The plans include barrier-free entrances, a sidewalk and a storywalk to encourage engagement. These additions aim to create a welcoming space for older residents and foster intergenerational learning.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Bowdoinham, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The Town of Bowdoinham provided elevated planters to six residents who, because of disabilities, could not maintain traditional, in-the-ground gardens. Members of the local Masons Lodge constructed the raised beds and delivered soil to each recipient. To showcase the planters, the Town hosted a community meal featuring local produce, which included a presentation about the benefits of raised beds. In addition, the Town founded a garden club, which meets monthly.
Lexington, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Organizers with Seedleaf hoped to provide a more comfortable experience for the many older adults who maintain one of its free community gardens. To do this, Seedleaf provided ergonomic garden tools -- including shovels and trowels -- designed for people with arthritis to use. They also purchased portable, raised seats that gardeners can place alongside garden beds, as well as a foldable wagon to collect harvested vegetables and a shed to house the new tools. To provide a space for visitors to rest and socialize, the nonprofit worked with a local carpenter to build two sturdy, cedar benches.
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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