by Hunter Dawkins, Publisher/Owner – thegazebogazette@gmail.com or hdawkins@supertalk.fm
JACKSON (GG) — Recently, AARP’s Livable Communities initiative has awarded more than $65,000 across four Mississippi nonprofits and government entities.
Kimberly Campbell, state director for AARP Mississippi and former state legislator, said the grants aim to support quick-action projects to improve public spaces, transportation, housing and digital access. Campbell noted this year, AARP has awarded $3.8 million to 343 organizations nationwide. AARP Community Challenge grants will be implemented nationwide, with a quick turnaround for completion by Dec. 15.
The Jackson Heart Foundation provides state-of-the-art cardiovascular care to its patients and received an $18,000 Community Challenge grant.
“That project will create hydration stations and rest areas along the walking and biking trail frequented by older adults,” Campbell emphasized.
Campbell added a Mississippi educational institution received funding to improve recreational activities.
“Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Col- lege, they’ve been awarded $20,000,” Campbell stated. “Their project will install outdoor fitness stations along the Walking Track pop- ular with older adults. Several stations feature ADA compliant designs.”
A $20,000 grant was awarded to the Laurel-Jones County Library System, to convert a donated trolley into a mobile library serving older adults in rural areas. The mobile library will provide residents with laptops, printers, Wi-Fi access and technology classes.
Additionally, Campbell pointed out a local library is using the funds to expand its print book collection to 50+ patrons.
“The Harrison County Library System was awarded $7,628,” Campbell explained. “This project will provide wheeled walkers at three librarian branches.”
