Approve acceptance of the AARP Community Challenge Grant and Memorandum of Understanding in the amount of $10,000 to assist residents 55 years and older in obtaining access to laptop computers or tablets to assist in navigating online benefits and to provide socialization through the RICH (Resources In Community Hope) House in the Lincoln Park neighborhood specifically and beyond.

The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund "quick-action" projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. AARP prioritizes projects that aim to increase civic engagement with innovative and tangible projects that bring residents and local leaders together to address challenges and facilitate a greater sense of community inclusion and diversity. Grant recipients have been selected by an AARP panel of experts on aging, community development, and livable communities. Projects have been judged on the degree to which their goals make an immediate change that leads to longer-term impact.  Proposed projects address a clear need that brings positive change to the community and effectively engages residents. The project also demonstrates the ability to accelerate, grow, and sustain the community’s livability for all, especially those aged 50 and above.

Staff recommends acceptance of the AARP Community Challenge Grant and sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with this organization as a requirement of receipt of funds; no match is required.

The City can decline acceptance and will not receive the awarded $10,000 for targeted residents.

Deputy Chief Robert Ridle
 

Sergeant Jason Braun;
Johnna Morris, Director of Finance;
Anita Cocoves, Grant Coordinator