Improving Lives in Communities Across Rhode Island

AARP Awards Three Rhode Island Organizations Community Grants

PROVIENCE, RI-- Today, AARP Rhode Island announced three Ocean State organizations will receive 2021 Community Challenge grants – part of the largest group of grantees to date with $3.2 million awarded among 244 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects to promote livable communities by improving housing, transportation, public spaces, civic engagement, and connection with family, friends, and neighbors with an emphasis on the needs of the 50-plus. Many of this year’s awards support revitalizing communities adversely impacted by the pandemic and include a focus on diversity, inclusion, and disparities.

“We are incredibly proud to collaborate with these organizations as they work to make immediate improvements in their communities, encourage promising ideas and jumpstart long-term change, especially for those age 50 and over,” shared AARP Rhode Island State Director Catherine Taylor. “Our goal at AARP Rhode Island is to support the efforts of our communities to be great places for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities.”

All projects are expected to be completed by November 10, 2021. Rhode Island projects funded include:

• Providence Community Library - $30,000
  Activating the lawn of the Knight Memorial Library by creating an accessible, staffed, resource-rich park complete with tech, games, and books, will provide a warm welcome to neighbors living in the diverse West End of Providence.

• Progreso Latino - $15,000
  A Community Pavilion will be constructed, and accessible picnic tables installed to create a space for the community to safely connect with one another and allow those with accessibility needs to participate in activities.

Video: Mario Bueno shows off Progreso Latino's grant project.

• Southside Community Land Trust - $6,000
  Youth residents will build accessible garden beds and assist older adults with growing/harvesting healthy food choices at three senior centers in low-income neighborhoods.

"Knight Memorial Library is a friendly welcoming place but you can’t tell that from our imposing facade and sunbaked lawn,” said Cheryl Space, Library Director of Providence Community Library. “Some neighbors have even said that they didn’t visit the library because they thought it was a courthouse or police station.

“Seniors in particular suffered terrible isolation during the pandemic,” Space added. “If we transform the front lawn to be more accessible and parklike, they and others can gather here to meet, attend outdoor programming, and play popular games.”

"We are very excited to be a 2021 AARP Community Challenge grant recipient,” said Progreso Latino Executive Director Mario Bueno. “These funds will go towards improving our outdoor space and enable older adults and the wider community to take advantage of outdoor activities and programs. We look forward to sharing our progress with AARP and the community of Central Falls."

“In many communities, fresh, healthy and affordable is very hard to come by - especially as we age,” said Southside Community Land Trust Executive Director Margaret DeVos. “This support provides both the gardening space and resources that people need to grow fresh and healthy food for themselves, their families and their neighbors.  Meal after meal and year after year.”

Learn more about these organizations and their work

Providence Community Library / Progreso Latino / Southside Community Land Trust

Previous Grantees: City of Central Falls, Pawtucket Division of Senior Services/Leon Mathieu Senior Center, Amos House, City of East Providence, Rhode Island College Foundation/ Age-Friendly RI, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center.

The Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages. Since 2017, AARP Rhode Island has awarded nine grants and nearly $120,000 through the program to nonprofit organizations and government entities across the state.

View the full list of grantees and their project descriptions at www.aarp.org/communitychallenge and learn more about AARP’s livable communities work at www.aarp.org/livable.

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.​