Two RI Organizations Receive Grants from AARP Community Challenge
GoLocalProv News Team
Two RI Organizations Receive Grants from AARP Community Challenge
Two Rhode Island organizations will receive grants from the AARP as part of its 2019 AARP Community Challenge grant program.
The organizations are Providence’s Amos House, and Pawtucket’s Division of Senior Services - Leon Mathieu Senior Center.
“We are so pleased to award these two grants, just the latest in the ongoing contributions AARP is making to enable important work in Rhode Island and to help build livable, Age-Friendly communities. These two projects will last for years as community resources,” said AARP State Director Kathleen Connell.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe Amos House will receive a $5,000 grant to improve access to fresh food in South Providence.
Food harvested from this project will be prepared and served in a soup kitchen that provides 130,000 meals to community members each year.
“Each year, Amos House serves over 120,000 free meals to our community members. A significant portion of those we serve are seniors. We are honored to receive this grant from AARP in support of our new community garden. More than just a beautiful addition to the Amos House campus, this garden will provide fresh produce for meals in our Soup Kitchen and provide a positive volunteer activity for many of our active older adult neighbor,” said John Farber, Chair of Amos House’s Board of Directors.
Pawtucket Division of Senior Services – Leon Mathieu Senior Center will receive an $11,933 grant to create an outdoor activity center to encourage seniors and community members to socialize, exercise and enjoy nature.
“This will certainly enable the older adults in our community to enjoy the outdoors and pursue healthy, age-friendly activities. We will convert an unused space that has been barren asphalt for years into a welcoming oasis that will reduce social isolation and bread new friendships across generations. It’s a big job, but with this generous grant we will be able to bring our long-time dream to fruition,” said Mathieu Center Director Mary Lou Moran.
Grant Program
A total of nearly $1.6 million will be distributed to fund 159 “quick
action” projects across the country, helping communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages.
Nearly 1,700 applications were received from non-profits and
government entities for the program, now in its third year.
Each of the projects, which must be completed by November 4, is designed to achieve a specific outcome.
Click here for the full list of grantees
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