Syracuse, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: Older adults in six public housing buildings faced isolation and limited access to health and safety information. To bridge this gap, the Housing Authority equipped each community room with projectors, screens and accessories, enabling interactive events and educational programs. Kick-off sessions featured fraud prevention workshops and showcased the new technology. These upgrades transformed shared spaces into hubs for learning and social connection, empowering tenant associations to host health fairs, movie nights and presentations that help residents stay informed and engaged.

Cortland, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: Older adults faced safety risks at home and lacked affordable options for modifications. The project delivered home safety training and distributed low-cost products, while public presentations raised awareness and encouraged practical steps. Staff guided participants on using grab bars and other aids, and outreach sparked interest in borrowing equipment from the organization's loan closet. One attendee even opened his home for volunteer-led improvements, showing how education can lead to action and safer living.