Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley is thrilled to announce we have been selected to receive a 2022 AARP Community Challenge grant. We are one of only 260 grantees selected from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
With this quick-action grant we will creating a Mobile Literacy Lab! The success of our Bridge to Digital Learning initiative identified a greater need throughout the community, especially with older adults, for improved digital literacy. The Mobile Literacy Lab will allow our staff and volunteers to be more agile, responsive, and meet our students where they are with the tools they need to reach their digital literacy goals.
Several types of programs will be offered: basic computer skills, basic internet searching, basic Windows, word processing, and resume assistance and job searching, if needed. Students will learn everything from how to use a mouse to how to participate in interactive virtual meetings to stay connected with family and friends. With the Mobile Literacy Lab, LVNRV will offer a variety of convenient, accessible, and community-based digital literacy instruction programming options. . Having basic computer knowledge increases the comfort level of seniors, helping them get accustomed to incorporating technology into their daily lives. It also offers them a way to stay connected with their family and community members and empowers them to maneuver and navigate through our new digital world.
In addition to addressing the needs of seniors in our community, the Mobile Literacy Lab will create all-inclusive opportunities for families from tech-deprived homes to access wireless and physical technology. Families will use its resources for vital tasks, including conducting job searches, applying for jobs online, and updating their resumes.
“We are incredibly proud that AARP selected Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley for this investment,” stated Ginny Ayers, Executive Director. “AARP is a nationwide leader in making communities more livable for all residents and we are honored that they see the tangible value this project will bring to our area.”
About the Community Challenge
The Community Challenge funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as transportation, public spaces, housing, diversity and inclusion, civic engagement, coronavirus recovery and more.
This is all part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all. AARP believes that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life.
To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge across the nation – including all 260 granted projects this year, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of all Community Challenge projects and AARP’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.