Building_Livable_Communities
By: AARP
50th Anniversary celebrations are traditionally marked by the usual fanfare: balloons, confetti, and endless galas. But AARP has taken a decidedly different approach for its 50-year milestone. The organization that has dedicated itself to enhancing the quality of life for entire generations, is giving back to the people that need it the most—and bringing entire communities together in the process.
Through AARP’s Community Engagement initiative, in seven cities across the country, AARP is adapting homes and buildings to make them safer and more comfortable for their residents, as well as giving community members an inviting place to gather.
“To give. Not get. That’s the philosophy behind Community Engagement and our anniversary,” says Marty Davis, Director of Special Campaigns and Promotions, AARP. “Our 50th Anniversary is not all about us, it’s about giving back to the community,” adds Davis.
Community Engagement is also a tribute to AARP’s founder, Ethel Percy Andrus, a woman who committed her life to making other people’s lives better.
AARP is not alone in its effort. The organization has brought many collaborators together to help, including neighborhood block associations, community volunteers, churches, local police departments, a major league baseball team, The Salvation Army, United Healthcare, architect Michael Graves, local universities, and the nonprofit Rebuilding Together.
The idea for Community Engagement builds upon the success of AARP’s building projects in the Gulf after Katrina. “After Hurricane Katrina, we realized that building a house can bring a variety of people and companies together to dramatically impact lives,” remarks Davis. “[With building] there’s a clear start and a finish, and everyone involved feels a real sense of accomplishment,” adds Davis.
In total, AARP will donate almost $1 million to its rebuilding projects, highlighting the organization’s long-standing commitment to livable communities that can be enjoyed by all, regardless of age or physical limitation.
Here is just a snapshot of what’s happening in a community near you:
Los Angeles: Through the Ethel Percy Andrus Legacy Award, AARP helped Lincoln High School turn its run-down theater into a state-of-the-art performing arts center. Built in 1928, the theater had not been used in 25 years. AARP installed the latest theater technology, including a high-tech sound system and a brand new dance floor. The rebuild prompted the Los Angeles School Department to match AARP’s donation, and inspired The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to donate theater equipment as well. Together, donations to the projects totaled more than $225K. In addition, the school was also able to add 14 new performing arts classes, which serve nearly 300 students and countless community members who now attend the Ethel Percy Andrus Theater to celebrate the arts.
Miami: Seniors at the Gibson-Stirrup Park Senior Housing and Community Center now have a state-of-the-art multi-purpose Pavilion that will provide endless opportunities for learning and fun. AARP updated the building with a new roof, made the center accessible to people of all abilities, renovated the main kitchen, updated residents’ homes, and beautified the grounds with landscaping and park benches.
Houston: At the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club at Garden City Apartments in the Acres Homes neighborhood of Houston, AARP built a new playground, basketball court, activity center and teen center complete with new computers and a media studio. The new teen center has become the heart of the community, providing after-school programs, as well as holiday and summer activities.
Philadelphia: AARP breathed new life into the South Shore Community Center, as well as rehabilitated 10 homes adjacent to the Center. AARP worked in conjunction with several community organizations including the University of Pennsylvania to design a walkway at the main entrance, and add a lift to make the center disability accessible. Enhancements were also made to the main reception area, meeting facility and recreation center. Community residents were thrilled about the update. One woman even remarked how the neighborhood had not looked that good since she was a kid.
Chicago: AARP recently unveiled construction at the Abraham Lincoln Center (ALC), a treasured facility in the South Side of Chicago. AARP will double the size of the kitchen space, provide new commercial-grade kitchen equipment and increase the capacity of cooking services and classes. The historic building dates back to 1905, when it was founded as a settlement house under the auspices of the All Souls Church. For more than a century ALC has dedicated itself to providing opportunities for the surrounding Greater Grand Boulevard community. Programs include Children’s Services, Head Start/Pre-K Programs, Adults and Senior Services, and Special Needs Programs.
Atlanta: Demonstrating its commitment to bridging the gap between generations, AARP will update the senior center, scholar clubhouse and study hall at Emmaus House, Inc. an organization dedicated to academic achievement and cultural enrichment. With the help of The Atlanta Braves and other volunteers, AARP will modernize the clubhouse, make cosmetic improvements to the study hall, add a paved walkway from the senior center to the study hall, and add a new community garden where people can grow fruits and vegetables.
Washington, DC: Universal design is not a new concept for AARP. Ethel Percy Andrus, the organization’s founder, built the very first universal home in Washington, DC back in 1961. Today, AARP is working together with the DC government, the nonprofit group Rebuilding Together, and renowned architect Michael Graves to turn a red brick house in Northeast into a model home for universal design. Using concepts of universal design, the home will utilize invisible design elements to make the house user-friendly for people of all ages and abilities. Once the project is complete, six low-income seniors will proudly call the AARP Andrus House their home.
Through AARP’s Community Engagement initiative, in seven cities across the country, AARP is adapting homes and buildings to make them safer and more comfortable for their residents, as well as giving community members an inviting place to gather.
“To give. Not get. That’s the philosophy behind Community Engagement and our anniversary,” says Marty Davis, Director of Special Campaigns and Promotions, AARP. “Our 50th Anniversary is not all about us, it’s about giving back to the community,” adds Davis.
Community Engagement is also a tribute to AARP’s founder, Ethel Percy Andrus, a woman who committed her life to making other people’s lives better.
AARP is not alone in its effort. The organization has brought many collaborators together to help, including neighborhood block associations, community volunteers, churches, local police departments, a major league baseball team, The Salvation Army, United Healthcare, architect Michael Graves, local universities, and the nonprofit Rebuilding Together.
The idea for Community Engagement builds upon the success of AARP’s building projects in the Gulf after Katrina. “After Hurricane Katrina, we realized that building a house can bring a variety of people and companies together to dramatically impact lives,” remarks Davis. “[With building] there’s a clear start and a finish, and everyone involved feels a real sense of accomplishment,” adds Davis.
In total, AARP will donate almost $1 million to its rebuilding projects, highlighting the organization’s long-standing commitment to livable communities that can be enjoyed by all, regardless of age or physical limitation.
Here is just a snapshot of what’s happening in a community near you:
Los Angeles: Through the Ethel Percy Andrus Legacy Award, AARP helped Lincoln High School turn its run-down theater into a state-of-the-art performing arts center. Built in 1928, the theater had not been used in 25 years. AARP installed the latest theater technology, including a high-tech sound system and a brand new dance floor. The rebuild prompted the Los Angeles School Department to match AARP’s donation, and inspired The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to donate theater equipment as well. Together, donations to the projects totaled more than $225K. In addition, the school was also able to add 14 new performing arts classes, which serve nearly 300 students and countless community members who now attend the Ethel Percy Andrus Theater to celebrate the arts.
Miami: Seniors at the Gibson-Stirrup Park Senior Housing and Community Center now have a state-of-the-art multi-purpose Pavilion that will provide endless opportunities for learning and fun. AARP updated the building with a new roof, made the center accessible to people of all abilities, renovated the main kitchen, updated residents’ homes, and beautified the grounds with landscaping and park benches.
Houston: At the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club at Garden City Apartments in the Acres Homes neighborhood of Houston, AARP built a new playground, basketball court, activity center and teen center complete with new computers and a media studio. The new teen center has become the heart of the community, providing after-school programs, as well as holiday and summer activities.
Philadelphia: AARP breathed new life into the South Shore Community Center, as well as rehabilitated 10 homes adjacent to the Center. AARP worked in conjunction with several community organizations including the University of Pennsylvania to design a walkway at the main entrance, and add a lift to make the center disability accessible. Enhancements were also made to the main reception area, meeting facility and recreation center. Community residents were thrilled about the update. One woman even remarked how the neighborhood had not looked that good since she was a kid.
Chicago: AARP recently unveiled construction at the Abraham Lincoln Center (ALC), a treasured facility in the South Side of Chicago. AARP will double the size of the kitchen space, provide new commercial-grade kitchen equipment and increase the capacity of cooking services and classes. The historic building dates back to 1905, when it was founded as a settlement house under the auspices of the All Souls Church. For more than a century ALC has dedicated itself to providing opportunities for the surrounding Greater Grand Boulevard community. Programs include Children’s Services, Head Start/Pre-K Programs, Adults and Senior Services, and Special Needs Programs.
Atlanta: Demonstrating its commitment to bridging the gap between generations, AARP will update the senior center, scholar clubhouse and study hall at Emmaus House, Inc. an organization dedicated to academic achievement and cultural enrichment. With the help of The Atlanta Braves and other volunteers, AARP will modernize the clubhouse, make cosmetic improvements to the study hall, add a paved walkway from the senior center to the study hall, and add a new community garden where people can grow fruits and vegetables.
Washington, DC: Universal design is not a new concept for AARP. Ethel Percy Andrus, the organization’s founder, built the very first universal home in Washington, DC back in 1961. Today, AARP is working together with the DC government, the nonprofit group Rebuilding Together, and renowned architect Michael Graves to turn a red brick house in Northeast into a model home for universal design. Using concepts of universal design, the home will utilize invisible design elements to make the house user-friendly for people of all ages and abilities. Once the project is complete, six low-income seniors will proudly call the AARP Andrus House their home.
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