WAYNE, NJ — A Wayne-based nonprofit that provides free lawn care and home assistance for older adults and others in need has been awarded a $17,500 AARP Community Challenge grant to expand its efforts to help residents safely remain in their homes.
I Want to Mow Your Lawn was one of just 21 organizations statewide selected to receive funding through the 2026 AARP Community Challenge program.
The grant will support projects aimed at reducing fall risks and improving accessibility, including repairing hazardous front-yard walkways, removing tripping hazards, organizing volunteer lawn care and conducting neighborhood walk audits.
A ceremonial check presentation is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. Thursday at Wayne Town Hall, 475 Valley Road.
Scheduled to attend are AARP New Jersey State Director Chris Widelo, I Want to Mow Your Lawn founder Brian Schwartz, State Sen. Kristin Corrado, Wayne Mayor Chris Vergano, Councilman Donnie DeDio, along with volunteers and program participants.
Founded in Wayne during the COVID-19 pandemic, I Want to Mow Your Lawn connects volunteers with older adults, veterans, people with disabilities and others who need help maintaining their properties. What began as founder Brian Schwartz mowing lawns for neighbors has grown into a nationwide nonprofit network that matches volunteers with homeowners requesting free, temporary yard work.
Today, the organization has volunteers in all 50 states and has received more than 10,000 requests for assistance since 2020. In addition to lawn mowing, volunteers provide services such as trimming, edging and seasonal yard cleanup, with the goal of helping people remain safely and independently in their homes while fostering neighbor-to-neighbor connections.
Since launching in 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has awarded $793,916 through 68 grants to nonprofits and local governments across New Jersey. The program funds quick-action projects that make communities more livable, with an emphasis on helping residents stay connected, safe, and independent as they age.
AARP said this year's New Jersey grants reflect a growing demand for practical, community-based solutions that improve quality of life for older adults.
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization serving Americans age 50 and older. The organization advocates for issues including health security, financial stability, and livable communities while supporting local initiatives that help older adults age in place.
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