GOOD DEEDS: AARP Announces 2025 Challenger Grant Awards w/Laura Streed
Season 2, Episode 844, Jun 22, 03:13 PM
Share
Subscribe
In this episode of Good Deeds, host Nanette Wiser chats with Laura Streed, Director of Outreach and Engagement for AARP Florida. (Seen here with Leandro Tomasi Cabrera).
AARP Commits Thousands of Dollars to Strengthen Ten Communities Across Florida $156,000 in grants aims to help residents of all ages, especially older adults, improve how they live, move, and stay connected in their neighborhoods through innovative local projects.
THE SCOOP AARP Florida is proud to celebrate 10 organizations across the state who will receive 2025 Community Challenge grants. The funds will support efforts to improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and other key areas. The grants are part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment to fund 383 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults. Since the program’s inception in 2017, the Challenge has awarded 64 grants in Florida – contributing nearly $783,000 to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across the state. Grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
FLORIDA CHALLENGER GRANT AWARDEES
Arcadia Main Street Program, Arcadia, FL: This project will install pedestrian-friendly wayfinding signage in downtown Arcadia, FL, to improve accessibility and navigation for residents and visitors of all ages. The signs will highlight key destinations, historical sites, and cultural landmarks, promoting walkability and supporting local businesses.
The Arc Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL: This project will provide five educational training sessions for community members, caregivers, and professionals supporting aging adults with intellectual and developmental differences. The sessions will focus on home safety awareness, fall prevention strategies, and home assessments. Essential safety modifications will be implemented.
Black Empowerment & Community Council (BECC), Kissimmee, FL: The BECC Empowerment Express will transform a minivan into a mobile resource hub, delivering digital literacy, health resources, financial education, and disaster preparedness to over 1,500 older adults in Osceola County. This initiative will provide essential services and support directly to the community.
City of Hialeah, Hialeah, FL: Hialeah will improve crosswalks along Palm Avenue with domino-themed designs to enhance pedestrian safety and visibility. This project aims to create a familiar and engaging environment for older adults, promoting safer crossings and reducing vehicle conflicts.
City of Tampa, Tampa Bay, FL: The project will fill a 750ft sidewalk gap on East 12th Ave in front of Hacienda Villas, improving pedestrian safety and accessibility. This will enhance walkability for residents, especially those age 50 and over, and connect them to key destinations and transportation options.
Collaboratory, Ft. Myers, FL: This project will connect older adults struggling with housing costs with fellow older adults seeking affordable homes in Southwest Florida. It aims to provide financial relief, companionship, and increased safety, allowing homeowners to age in place while offering secure housing to older adults in need.
Friends of the Commodore Trail, Coconut Grove, FL: This project will improve safety and accessibility along the Commodore Trail in Coconut Grove, Miami-Dade. Activities include trail clean-up, new wayfinding signage, and pedestrian safety upgrades, making the trail safer and more accessible for all, especially older adults.
PORCH, Port Charlotte, FL: The Duplex Design Competition will invite designers to create low-maintenance, age-friendly homes where older adults can age in place. The project aims to balance privacy and community, promoting a healthier and more stable future for older adults.
Taylor County Emergency Management, Perry, FL: This project will recruit and train volunteers to become certified CERT members. Community outreach initiatives will raise awareness about disaster preparedness and CERT program participation. Training sessions will cover basic first aid, fire safety, and disaster medical operations.
Waukesha Way, Inc, Bonifay, FL: This project will enhance Bonifay's walkability with vibrant painted crosswalks and age-friendly park upgrades, including ADA-compliant paths, shaded seating, and fitness stations. These improvements will promote safety, mobility, and community connection for older adults, fostering physical activity and social engagement.
View the full list of grantees and their projects at aarp.org/communitychallenge. Learn more about AARP’s work to support livable communities at aarp.org/livable.
About AARP AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.
@aarp #aarpflorida #laurastreed #2025challengergrants #seniorsolutions #helpingseniors #healthsecurity #livablecommunities #nanettewiser #gooddeeds #floridaseniors #stpete #stpetefl #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete #dtsp #downtownstpete
AARP Commits Thousands of Dollars to Strengthen Ten Communities Across Florida $156,000 in grants aims to help residents of all ages, especially older adults, improve how they live, move, and stay connected in their neighborhoods through innovative local projects.
THE SCOOP AARP Florida is proud to celebrate 10 organizations across the state who will receive 2025 Community Challenge grants. The funds will support efforts to improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and other key areas. The grants are part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment to fund 383 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults. Since the program’s inception in 2017, the Challenge has awarded 64 grants in Florida – contributing nearly $783,000 to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across the state. Grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
FLORIDA CHALLENGER GRANT AWARDEES
Arcadia Main Street Program, Arcadia, FL: This project will install pedestrian-friendly wayfinding signage in downtown Arcadia, FL, to improve accessibility and navigation for residents and visitors of all ages. The signs will highlight key destinations, historical sites, and cultural landmarks, promoting walkability and supporting local businesses.
The Arc Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL: This project will provide five educational training sessions for community members, caregivers, and professionals supporting aging adults with intellectual and developmental differences. The sessions will focus on home safety awareness, fall prevention strategies, and home assessments. Essential safety modifications will be implemented.
Black Empowerment & Community Council (BECC), Kissimmee, FL: The BECC Empowerment Express will transform a minivan into a mobile resource hub, delivering digital literacy, health resources, financial education, and disaster preparedness to over 1,500 older adults in Osceola County. This initiative will provide essential services and support directly to the community.
City of Hialeah, Hialeah, FL: Hialeah will improve crosswalks along Palm Avenue with domino-themed designs to enhance pedestrian safety and visibility. This project aims to create a familiar and engaging environment for older adults, promoting safer crossings and reducing vehicle conflicts.
City of Tampa, Tampa Bay, FL: The project will fill a 750ft sidewalk gap on East 12th Ave in front of Hacienda Villas, improving pedestrian safety and accessibility. This will enhance walkability for residents, especially those age 50 and over, and connect them to key destinations and transportation options.
Collaboratory, Ft. Myers, FL: This project will connect older adults struggling with housing costs with fellow older adults seeking affordable homes in Southwest Florida. It aims to provide financial relief, companionship, and increased safety, allowing homeowners to age in place while offering secure housing to older adults in need.
Friends of the Commodore Trail, Coconut Grove, FL: This project will improve safety and accessibility along the Commodore Trail in Coconut Grove, Miami-Dade. Activities include trail clean-up, new wayfinding signage, and pedestrian safety upgrades, making the trail safer and more accessible for all, especially older adults.
PORCH, Port Charlotte, FL: The Duplex Design Competition will invite designers to create low-maintenance, age-friendly homes where older adults can age in place. The project aims to balance privacy and community, promoting a healthier and more stable future for older adults.
Taylor County Emergency Management, Perry, FL: This project will recruit and train volunteers to become certified CERT members. Community outreach initiatives will raise awareness about disaster preparedness and CERT program participation. Training sessions will cover basic first aid, fire safety, and disaster medical operations.
Waukesha Way, Inc, Bonifay, FL: This project will enhance Bonifay's walkability with vibrant painted crosswalks and age-friendly park upgrades, including ADA-compliant paths, shaded seating, and fitness stations. These improvements will promote safety, mobility, and community connection for older adults, fostering physical activity and social engagement.
View the full list of grantees and their projects at aarp.org/communitychallenge. Learn more about AARP’s work to support livable communities at aarp.org/livable.
About AARP AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.
@aarp #aarpflorida #laurastreed #2025challengergrants #seniorsolutions #helpingseniors #healthsecurity #livablecommunities #nanettewiser #gooddeeds #floridaseniors #stpete #stpetefl #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete #dtsp #downtownstpete