AARP Mississippi announced four organizations throughout the state are receiving 2022 Community Challenge Grants --- part of the largest group of grantees to date. The program so far has provided $3.4 million to 260 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects that help communities become more livable in the long term by improving public places; transportation; diversity, equity, and inclusion; digital access; and civic engagement with an emphasis on the needs of adults aged 50 and over.

Library Director Patsy C. Brewer stated that the grant will help purchase 11 Grand Pads, a tablet designed for older adults. The devices will then be used in computer classes and available for check out, just like traditional library books. Library staff members will provide tech support.”

"AARP Mississippi is committed to working with communities to improve residents' quality of life through tangible changes," said AARP Mississippi State Director Kimberly L. Campbell, Esp. "We are proud to collaborate with this year's grantees as they make immediate improvements in their communities to jump-start long-term change, especially for Mississippians 50 and over."

AARP Community Challenge grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. True to the program's quick-action nature, projects must be completed by Nov. 30.

The 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 Mississippi has awarded 11 grants through the program to nonprofit organizations and government entities across the state.

A total of 260 grants were funded among the 3,200 applications that were received nationwide, and only four grants were funded in Mississippi this year.

Submitted By:

Patsy Brewer

Library Director

Waynesboro-Wayne County Library