Tallahassee, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: Older adults in rural north Florida often lack affordable estate planning, leaving property titles unresolved and families vulnerable to losing homes or generational wealth. ARPC hosted five legal clinics where about 200 participants learned about wills, health care directives and powers of attorney. Thirteen began drafting documents, and others left with resources to seek free legal help later. The effort reduced risks tied to heirs' property and sparked interest from other regions to replicate the model. One attendee said she was "relieved to finally have legal documentation with her wishes."

Tallahassee, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: The Goodwood Museum and Gardens revitalized a historic roller rink, transforming it into a gathering space for outdoor activities. The rink -- originally built in 1916 -- sat vacant for years, but the Museum saw potential for the 10,000-square-foot site. Accessibility was a main goal for project organizers, so the Museum installed an ADA-compliant sidewalk, ramp and handrails. They also added lighting to increase safety at the site, levelled the rink's concrete surface, added landscaping and upgraded electrical wiring. These enhancements attracted community partners to the space, including the Irish Repertory Theater and the Southern Shakespeare Company. Today the site hosts a monthly live performance featuring local musicians, along with other community activities.