AARP Commits Thousands of Dollars to Strengthen 5 Communities Across Mississippi

(Jackson, MS) – AARP has announced five organizations throughout Mississippi will receive 2025 Community Challenge grants. 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. The funds will support efforts to improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and other key areas.

Now in its ninth year, the Challenge has awarded $387,328 through 28 grants in Mississippi since 2017 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.

“AARP Mississippi is proud to work with communities across the state to help make them more livable for people of all ages,” said AARP Mississippi State Director Kimberly L. Campbell, Esq. “These projects are about turning great local ideas into real improvements that make everyday life better, especially for older Mississippians.”

Here in Mississippi, projects funded include:

· Central Mississippi, Inc. will use a $15,000 grant to pilot an on-demand transportation system for older adults in rural areas. This service will provide access to medical appointments and grocery shopping, addressing the transportation needs of older adults and disabled residents in seven counties.

· Delta Housing Development Corp. will use a $2,500 grant for The Golden Years Initiative to develop affordable, adaptable homes for individuals 50-plus in Sunflower County. The project promotes independence and fosters a connected community, prioritizing safety, sustainability and accessibility to enhance the quality of life for older adults.

· Lower Delta Partnership will use an $11,000 grant to create a one-third mile walking path with benches, trash receptacles, and public art. This vibrant path will enhance street safety and provide a safe, inclusive space for exercise and community engagement, helping older adult residents, families and visitors.

· Mississippi Move will use a $15,000 grant to enhance mobility, digital literacy, and public spaces for older adults. The initiative includes transportation solutions, technology training, and park improvements, aiming to create a more livable and accessible community for people age 50 and over.

· Wilkinson County Library System will use a $15,000 grant to equip the rural public library in Woodville, MS with automatic doors and an access ramp, enhancing accessibility, inclusion and safety for all residents, especially those age 50 and over. This will allow patrons to navigate the library independently and with dignity.

“AARP Community Challenge projects may be quick to launch, but their impact is long-lasting,” said Nancy A. LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “We’re proud to support communities nationwide to advance solutions that make neighborhoods and towns of all sizes better places to live where everyone can thrive. And this year, we’re particularly proud to invest in projects benefitting often overlooked rural areas.”

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.

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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.