YOUR AARP
Purpose Prize Winners
Honoring older Americans who spend their lives helping others
SIX OLDER Americans who have made important contributions to building a better world have been named the winners of the AARP Purpose Prize award, which recognizes nonprofit founders age 50 and up. Each recipient’s organization will receive $75,000 from AARP and a year of support to grow their organization.
The winners will be honored at a celebration in Washington, D.C., in late October.
Jacquelyn Thomas, 62
Kids in Technology, Memphis
This organization provides hands-on learning experiences to youths in science, math and reading. It also offers tutoring for students in Memphis-area schools and runs weekend programs designed to help attract students to science, technology, math and engineering.
Hal Garman, 89, and Spence Limbocker, 82
Gaithersburg Beloved Community Initiative, Gaithersburg, Maryland
GBCI runs mentorship programs between older adults and local students and an English language program for adults. The organization also advocates for community improvements, such as the rebuilding of a local school.
Aaron Casillas, 54
Mycelia Foundation, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Mycelia Foundation builds affordable broadband infrastructure for older Americans and others in underserved areas of New Mexico. Its Digital Navigator program also provides bilingual training, free laptops and ongoing technical assistance.
Ilyssa Manspeizer, 59
Landforce, Pittsburgh
This career development enterprise offers paid training and work experience in land conservation and environmental restoration. Crew members work on conservation projects around the Pittsburgh area, receive one-on-one career coaching and learn other skills.
Larry McCord, 73
CHADS Coalition for Mental Health, St. Louis
Founded in memory of McCord’s son who took his own life, CHADS trains students, parents and counselors to prevent suicide and provides counseling for youths and young adults. The organization’s programming has been shown to reduce depression symptoms.
To find out more, visit aarp.org/purposeprize.