Building great communities takes time – but small, tangible improvements can spark lasting change. That’s the idea behind the AARP Community Challenge, a grant program launched in 2017 to support quick-action projects that enhance livability nationwide.
As the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads Identity Theft Awareness Week this January, AARP is reminding U.S. Virgin Islands residents that identity theft remains a growing threat across the nation — and that our island communities are not immune.
An AARP-sponsored report from Javelin Strategy & Research shows that American adults lost $47 billion to identity fraud and scams in 2024. Given USVI’s frequent use of mail services, its high reliance on digital banking, and recurring reports of phishing and impersonation scams targeting local consumers, heightened awareness is essential.
“Social Security numbers in particular are like gold to criminals hoping to perpetrate identity fraud, which often leaves victims to ‘face a daunting and frustrating process to reclaim their identity,’” said Bill Sweeney, AARP Senior Vice President for Government Affairs.
Residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands can take practical steps to reduce risk and protect their personal information.
At AARP Virgin Islands, we are committed to uplifting the cultural traditions that strengthen our community and connect generations. This past weekend, the 27th Annual Bordeaux Farmers Agricultural & Cultural Vegan Food Fair on St. Thomas once again showcased the resilience, creativity, and agricultural brilliance of our Virgin Islands community. As proud supporters of the event, we were especially honored to sponsor its beloved highlight — the Coal Pot Lighting Competition.
This year, the celebration was even more meaningful for our AARP family: Mr. Rabsatt — an AARP VI volunteer and proud resident of St. John — won the Coal Pot Lighting Competition, demonstrating exceptional skill, cultural pride, and mastery of this cherished tradition.
Join AARP on St. Croix and St. Thomas for a FREE screening of "Wuthering Heights." This film features Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in Emerald Fennell’s bold and erotically charged adaptation of the classic story of obsessive love and social constraints.
Hoping to approach Medicare decisions with more confidence? This is where AARP can help. Medicare enrollment can seem complicated, but understanding your personal needs and priorities can help you make informed decisions.
Desde el 15 de septiembre hasta el 15 de octubre, AARP New York celebra con orgullo el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, honrando las vibrantes culturas, ricas historias y contribuciones impactantes de las comunidades hispanas y latinas en todo el estado de Nueva York.
FERRUM, Va. — A community-led park in Ferrum marked a major milestone on Friday, Sept. 12, with the grand opening of a new ADA-accessible trail, made possible through a $15,000 grant from AARP’s Community Challenge program.
AARP VI and the VI Department of Human Services will collaborate to host the third component of their Elder Justice Summit: Safeguarding Older Virgin Islanders, Supporting Caregivers, on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at My Brother’s Workshop Campus, St. Thomas, VI (behind Home Depot).
Learning and growing as a caregiver is a responsibility that is ongoing, and the caregiver’s self-care can be overlooked or buried beneath an avalanche of scheduled responsibilities. The question ‘what about me’ can often be viewed as a luxury item when continued support is a necessity. Discovering when to take time for self-care is a skill that requires development and must resonate at the heart of all caregivers.
Learning how to take time for self-care may be challenged by several barriers, which may
include limiting beliefs, adjusting to role reversals and implementing new structures for caring. Caregiving can also contribute to behavioral health concerns such as burnout, negative self-talk, depression, compassion fatigue and loneliness. In short, the journey of caregiving is a uniquely personal experience.
For the past three years, Beverly has cared for her husband at home. Once an accomplished machinist, he lives with Alzheimer’s, a condition that has slowly changed nearly every aspect of their daily lives.
Identity fraud and scams are a massive and growing problem, but there are things each of us can do to protect against identity fraud, even if our data has been exposed.