Arlington County, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: The Arlington Commission on Aging set out to make local intersections safer for pedestrians. After consulting data on pedestrian-involved crashes, the Commission worked with local organizations -- including nonprofits, churches, civic associations and the local fire department -- to identify ten crossings with high vehicle speeds and insufficient pedestrian infrastructure. Then they provided hand-held orange flags at crosswalks, which pedestrians can wave as they cross the street to make themselves more visible to passing drivers. Organizers mounted bins at eye-level on each side of the street to store the flags. In addition to improving safety, the effort also helped educate the community about the importance of traffic calming interventions.

Arlington, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Access to health care services

Description: Many older adults in Arlington struggled to access health and social services due to limited internet access, language barriers and lack of trusted guidance. Arlington Neighborhood Village began Phase I of its Senior Ambassador Program by creating a comprehensive resource guide and handbook template. These steps laid the foundation for recruiting 25 volunteers who shared critical information in their neighborhoods, bridging gaps in communication and trust. The effort aims to connect older adults with essential programs and reduce isolation.