#United States #Washington, D.C. #AARP Purpose Prize #Mycelia Foundation #Landforce

Celebrating Inspiration: AARP’s 2026 Purpose Prize Award Winners

On October 2, 2025, AARP proudly unveiled the winners of the prestigious 2026 AARP® Purpose Prize® award. This annual accolade recognizes nonprofit founders aged 50 and above who are dedicated to enacting significant social change across various sectors. Each winner is set to receive a financial award of $75,000, alongside one year's worth of technical assistance aimed at enhancing their organizations’ reach and effectiveness.

AARP's Purpose Prize has become a beacon of hope and acknowledgment for older leaders who leverage their wisdom and life experience to effectuate positive societal transformation. As Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, CEO of AARP, aptly puts it, "These remarkable individuals demonstrate how decades of life experience combined with a commitment to serve can be a powerful force for good." This initiative not only spotlights outstanding contributions made in local communities but also serves as an inspiration for all ages to embrace purposeful living.

Recognizing Brilliance Across America

This year's distinguished winners come from various backgrounds and are engaged in tackling pressing issues that affect communities nationwide. Their initiatives span from enhancing access to vital resources like healthcare and education to fostering engagement and sustainability. Here’s a closer look at the exceptional awardees:

1. Aaron Casillas, 54, Mycelia Foundation (Las Cruces, NM)

Mycelia Foundation aims to bridge the digital divide by connecting underserved and rural communities with high-speed broadband connections and enhanced digital literacy programs. They empower families across New Mexico through a strategic NET approach, combining networks, education, and technology, ensuring that technological benefits are universally accessible.

2. Harold Garman, 90, and Spence Limbocker, 82, Gaithersburg Beloved Community Initiative (Gaithersburg, MD)

This duo embodies the spirit of intergenerational connection through their initiative, which fosters relationships between immigrant families and local residents. Their programs serve as a crucial support system for parents and children alike, enhancing community cohesion and cultural understanding.

3. Ilyssa Manspeizer, Ph.D., 57, Landforce (Pittsburgh, PA)

Landforce is dedicated to restoring lives while cultivating the environment. The organization provides job training and employment opportunities to marginalized individuals, particularly those with justice-involvement, in fields like environmental stewardship. This dual impact not only aids personal development but also contributes to community resilience and climate change efforts.

4. Larry McCord, 73, CHADS Coalition for Mental Health (St. Louis, MO)

With a mission to prevent youth suicides, CHADS Coalition plays a pivotal role in mental health education and support. By reaching over 2,700 students weekly through workshops and mentoring, it tackles a critical issue that affects thousands of young lives across St. Louis.

5. Jacquelyn T. Thomas, 62, Kids in Technology (Memphis, TN)

In an age where technology is paramount, Kids in Technology helps young learners build crucial STEM skills, focusing particularly on AI education. Through hands-on programs, they aim to assure that students not only grasp academic concepts but are also prepared for success in a tech-centric future.

A Call to Celebrate

An in-person event will take place in Washington, D.C. on October 23, 2025, to formally honor these changemakers. This celebration will serve as a vital platform to not only recognize achievements but also to inspire other budding leaders to engage in community betterment.

AARP, the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to individuals 50 and older, continues to advocate for a future where everyone can thrive, marking significant strides toward enhancing quality of life for older adults across the nation. As these winners exemplify, living with purpose transcends age—it is about impact, commitment, and the relentless pursuit of bettering our world.

To learn more about the AARP Purpose Prize and its incredible winners, visit www.aarp.org/purposeprize.