by KYW's Karin Phillips

The senior citizens' advocacy group AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) is wrapping up its week of celebrating its 50th anniversary.

In Southwest Philadelphia, members celebrated by finishing up a major community rehabilitation project near 46th Street and Woodland Avenue.

The West Shore community of Southwest Philadelphia is a small, closely knit neighborhood, centering around the Southwest Enrichment Center on South 46th Street.  But the area has seen a huge change since a rehab program began February 14th. 

Projects included a new ramp for the community center, street planters, community gardens, and the rehabbing of more than 30 homes in the area so the neighborhood seniors can continue to live in them.

Jennifer Shropshur, of the group "Rebuilding Together," which was a partner in the project, described some of the residential improvements:

"Grab bars and bathroom accessories to really make it much more comfortable."

Also some hand rails, and even some new roofs.

Primo Candelaria has had his home rehabbed on nearby Lindmore Street:

"It lets people know they're in a safe environment and we're doing something with our neighborhood."

And neighborhood resident Marlene Caine thinks such improvements will make a lasting impact:

"We need everyone involved in a community and in a neighborhood."

(Photo by KYW's Karin Phillips)