Peoria, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: Organizers with Phoenix Community Development Services know supportive housing facilities for unhoused Peoria residents are often drab. To address this, the nonprofit -- which develops transitional apartment complexes -- created a three-story mural in an alley between an existing building and an upcoming facility. Apartment residents provided input on the mural's design and helped install the artwork, which is visible from one of downtown Peoria's major thoroughfares.

Kewanee, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: Many older adults wanted to stay independent at home but lacked practical guidance and low-cost tools to reduce fall risk. The city hosted two knowledge-sharing events on home safety and simple modifications, pairing demonstrations with free home fit devices and bilingual take-home guides. Staff also connected attendees to local partners for repairs and mobility support. The effort moved people from information to action: eight participants enrolled in and completed a balance class and neighbors exchanged numbers to keep learning together. Attendees expressed gratitude, and the events built confidence, sparked peer support and set up next steps to continue classes and expand assistance.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.