2023 CHallenge Grant Impact stories

The AARP Community Challenge Grants program fund innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as public places; housing; transportation; diversity, equity, and inclusion; digital connections; community resilience; and more. Last year, 14 Maine communities earned awards. Here are a few examples of how they were used and the impact that the projects have had on the community. 

Age-Friendly Auburn

Using the AARP Walk Audit ToolKit and the $2500 Capacity-Building Microgrant, the city of Auburn, under the leadership of Auburn Transportation Systems Director Jonathan LaBonté, began the work of evaluating safe transportation conditions – safe for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike – throughout the city. This information will inform town leaders ways in which road conditions can be improved and where those improvements are needed.

Age-Friendly Bowdoinham

Recognizing that the principles of Universal Design provided benefits for persons of all abilities and ages, the town of Bowdoinham, in partnership with Age-Friendly Bowdoinham, created a guide – written in plain language – that promotes the use of these principles to create housing that is more inclusive, safe and accessible. As an added bonus, Homes for All Ages + Abilities: A Guide to Universal Design can be customized with photos and stories from your Lifelong Community. For more information, email agefriendly@bowdoinham.com. 

Age-Friendly Sullivan

Age-Friendly Sullivan, in partnership with the town, used their $3000 Challenge Grant to fund the installation of an AED (automatic external defibrillator) in the town office – a place where residents gather to  socialize – as well as take care of town business.  In the case of sudden cardiac arrest, the AED is used to reestablish a healthy rhythm to the heart, until first responders can arrive. Now, Sullivan residents and visitors alike have another health safety tool available to them.