ERIC ED480657: Together: The Generations United Newsletter, 2002.

103 Pages·2002·3.5 MB·English

by  ERIC

DOCUMENT RESUME
ED 480 657
PS 031 540
AUTHOR
Peterson, Jaia, Ed.
Together: The Generations United Newsletter, 2002.
TITLE
PUB DATE 2002-00-00
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102p.; Produced by Generations United. Published 3 times a
year
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DESCRIPTORS
Adult Child Relationship; Aging (Individuals); *Children;
Cooperation; Federal Legislation; *Intergenerational
Programs; Mixed Age Grouping; National Organizations;
Newsletters; *Older Adults; Public Policy; Social Change;
State Legislation
IDENTIFIERS
September 11 Terrorist Attacks 2001
ABSTRACT
This document is comprised of the three 2002 issues of the
newsletter for Generations United, a national membership organization focused
on promoting intergenerational policies, strategies, and programs. The first
issue reflects on two events: responses to the September llth terrorist
attacks, and on the organization's international conference that followed one
month later. The second issue focuses on shared sites and resources for
programs. The third issue focuses on the changing role of older Americans.
Regular features of the newsletter include program, legislative, and public
policy updates; conference reports; and news from the states.
(HTH)
Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made
from the original document.
Together: The Generations United
Newsletter, 2002.
Jaia Peterson, Editor
Generations United
Vol. 7, No. 1-3
2002
-
-
-
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Office of Educational Research and Improvement
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION
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TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
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INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)
1
J
BEST COPY AVAILABLE
THE GENERATIONS
UNITED N EWSLETTER
erperation
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Winter 2002
Volume 7 Number 1
.0a4demea4,44441a
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SEPTEMBER 111 TH: THE 1INTERGENERATIONAL RESPONSE
By Sheri Steinig,
explore current intergenerational
Program Director and
programs that are responding
Jaia Peterson,
directly or indirectly to the tragedy
Public Policy Coordinator,
and seize opportunities for
Generations United
innovative intergenerational
approaches.
Pihe tragic events of
September 11th took
INTERGENERATIONAL
place in New York,
INTERSECTIONS IN THE
Washington, DC, and
CURRENT RESPONSES TO
Pennsylvania. However,
they touched every
SEPTEMBER 11TH
Many organizations
American of every age,
that have an important role
whether personally or
in the intergenerational
vicariously. Many reported
a need to connect, to reach
community have issued
out in their
statements in
Photo by Heather Hawk
communities, and response to the
Light Foundation, "By
faith-based network of
Whether in school
across the country
September 11th
sharing our resources, time
agencies nationwide that
Many reached out to
tragedy that
or community
and talents to help others,
provides a wide range of
older relatives and
reflect their
we can help restore a sense
services to children, youth
settings, dialogues
intergenerational
friends looking for
.
of hope in our hearts,
and seniors, explains that,
reassurance that
understanding
between the
homes, communities and
"As the lingering effects of
comes from
and approach to
ultimately the nation."
the September 11th
generations can
healing and
experience and age.
Reverend Bryan Hehir,
terrorist attacks become
As members of
preparation for
help older
president and CEO of
more apparent, Catholic
all generations begin
the future.
Catholic Charities USA, a
feel
to heal together, the
"The tragedy
generations
continued on page 20
IN THIS ISSUE:
opportunities for
of September
connected and of
mtergenerational
has left a
1 1th
connections and
deep hole in the
service while
In the Spotlight: American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
partner-ships
4
soul of our
offering stability to
1:5
Intergenerational Public Policy Update
abound. Individuals
society. While we
,
5
Program Update
10
and organizations
fill the
children
and youth. tmanever
Census Reveals 4.5 Million Children Living with Grandparents
interested in
void created on
11
GU International Conference Report
12
supporting intergenera-
that horrific day,
News from the States
22
we can certainly reach out
tional approaches should:
Grandparents Raising Children Legislative Update
24
to one another within our
identify the intergenerational
New Resources
26
own communities in
intersections in their current work;
Book Order Form
28
meaningful ways," said
recognize the intergenerational
Calendar
30
Robert Goodwin, President
implications of the events of
Membership Form
33
and CEO of the Points of
September 11th; and
BEST COPY AVAILABLE
Generations United: Together
page 2
FROM THE CHAIR:
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
DONNA Buyrs
JOHN ROTHER
_As we enter the new year, I am
n this issue we reflect on two
pleased to report that
events: responses to September
Generations United
11th and our international
continues to grow in membership
conference that followed one month
numbers, projects and
later. We at GU appreciate the
accomplishments. GU recently
tremendous support our members,
received an Innovative Grant from
friends and colleagues gave us
the US Department of Health and
during the difficult final planning
Human Services, Administration on
days. Because of you, it was a joyous
Aging (AoA), as part of the National
celebration of community. Mark
Family Caregiver Support Program
your calendars and be sure to join
(NFCSP). The grant will enable GU
us for our next conference in 2003.
.1,
to support the implementation of
Along with the event of this fall, these months have
the NFCSP by establishing the National Center on
marked a time of remembrance, reflection and thanks
Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children as an
giving. Fred Ramstedt, founder of intergenerational week,
umbrella for all of GU's grandparent work. Through the
passed away recently. I always remember the first time he
center we will coordinate a national network of experts to
called me over four years ago. I was brand new at
provide training and technical assistance to the aging
Generations United and he wanted to tell me GU wasn't
network and other professionals to impact the lives of
doing enough to promote intergenerational week. I found
relative caregivers and the children they raise. We are also
over the years that Fred was always direct, stubborn,
pleased that the success of our first intergenerational photo
tenacious and had a heart of gold. All qualities he tirelessly
contest sponsored by the MetLife Foundation has inspired
directed to promoting the importance of intergenerational
another photo contest and a book about the experiences of
connections. My last visit with Fred was just days before he
2001 winning participants.
died. It was as a much comfort for me as him to be able to
GU is increasingly being recognized as a leader in
tell him one last time how inspirational he was to those in
intergenerational and kinship care policy issues as signified
the intergenerational world. I reassured him that we would
by Donna Butts' recent testimony before the Commission on
continue to promote intergenerational week and his book.
Affordable Housing and Health Facility Needs for Seniors in
As a regular contributor to Together, Fred offered opinion
the 21st Century Her testimony in November on
and commentary as only a 95 year old can. We will miss
intergenerational learning and care centers, living
him.
arrangements, and environments for grandparent-headed
On behalf of GU I would also like to pay tribute to
households was well-received and stimulated requests for
another man, a brilliant visionary, John Gardner, former
further information and consultation from the commission.
head of the old Department of Health, Education and
Despite the devastating events of September 11th, we
Welfare, founder of Common Cause and hero to many. He
held our biennial conference in October and were pleased to
has fought a battle with cancer for several years and as we go
have over 200 people in attendance including 14 from the
to press we've learned that he is in his final days. John will
Netherlands as well as participants from the United
always hold an important place in intergenerational history.
Kingdom and Singapore.
It is his thinking and vision that gave birth to the current
Several changes have occurred in our board recently. I
Experience Corps program, one of the most successful and
would like to welcome Mary Ann Van Chief, Vice President,
rapidly expanding intergenerational programs in the country.
The Brookdale Foundation Group, to our board. She brings
To borrow a Chinese Proverb from our dear colleague
rich experience and a unique perspective that will be
Matt Kaplan, "One generation plants the trees under whose
valuable to our work. Two members will be leaving our
shade future generations rest." We are grateful for people like
board, Don Floyd, President of the National 4 H Council
Fred and John who cared enough to plant and tend trees
and Skip Schenk, Director of AT & T Family Care
Development Fund. I would like to thank them for their
yesterday.
service. We look forward to continuing to work with Skip
and Don and 4-H in other capacities.
4
Winter * 2002
page 3
AMERICAN FAMILY COMES TO
television, a victory for
By Hector H. Lopez
multigenerational issues, and a
victory for the American family
Aanmerican Family, a series
bout a Hispanic
At time of printing, mini-grants are
.
ultigenerational
.
available for local projects related to the
family living in Los Angeles,
gr-
series. Please visit the GU website at
debuted on. Pl3S on January 23,
wwwgu.org or the American Family
2002. This groundbreaking
,r
s'
I
site at wwwpbs.org/arnericanfamily for
series was created by Academy
'57
more information.
Award nominated director
Gregory Nava and is produced
Hector Lopez is a Senior at
by his production company, El
Georgetown University He has been
Norte productions as well as.
working with Generations United
KCET/Hollywood.
through the Georgetown work-study
Generations United is part of
program.
the national outreach campaign
Cast of American Family
to support American Family and
Mini Grants are available through Generations United. See back
encourage viewers to share stories, have fun, and celebrate
page for details.
families by developing their own family album.
The series was created as a show that would make the
audience laugh and cry as it chronicled the daily struggles
GENERATIONS UNITED TOGETHER
and triumphs of an American family It stars Edward James
celebrates
Together
the richness of generations by providing useful information about
Olmos, Sonia Braga, Raquel Welch and Constance Marie. It
intergenerational programs and policies through articles that address the mutual well-being of
is set in East Los Angeles and based on the lives of the
children, youth, adults, and older adults.
Gonzalez family In the series, Jess Gonzalez (Edward James
Olmos), portrays the grandfather who faces many issues of a
EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS
multigenerational family in the ever-changing world,
Linda Armstrong, Eady Childhood Specialist, Armed Forces Services, TX
including his dynamic relationship with his liberal, political
Sandra Brostrom,
Graduate Student, Intergenerational Studies Program, University of Findlay,OH
activist daughter, Nina Gonzalez (Constance Marie) and the
Gladys Hotchkiss, Sr. Affairs Commission of San Bernardino County Aging and Adult Service, CA
unexpected caregiving needs of his grandson. Though
Laura LandirMeyer, Bowling Green State University, School of Family and Consumer Sciences, OH
definitely a drama, the series has comic elements with much
Bard Lindeman, Syndicated Columnist "In Your Prime," Tribune Media Services, GA
of the humor arising out of the cross-cultural,
Wini McDuflie
,
Intergenerational Consultant, Senior Neighbors of Chattanooga, TN
multigenerational experiences of the characters.
Rolando Pyle, Grandparent Resource Center, NYC Department for the Aging, NY
Gregory Nava is an extraordinary storyteller and the
Rosenblatt,
Bob
Los Angeles Times, Washington D.C. Correspondent, Washington, D.C.
team that has been built to bring this series to life will make
American Family a landmark series for American television.
Generations United members represent many viewpoints. Inclusion of articles, research,
American Family not only touches on Hispanic issues. It
conferences, or resources does not imply GU's endorsement. We encourage our members to
brings the first Hispanic series to television. It also brings to
submit articles, artwork, photographs, and information on upcoming events, recent publications,
light the fact that multigenerational families such as the
or honors. All materials are considered carefully for publication.
Gonzalez' are becoming increasingly common throughout
the United States. It highlights the many obstacles facing
Together is published quarterly for members of Generations United.
multigenerational families, such as raising a child, caring for
Please submit mail to [email protected] or a disc compatible with Microsoft Word to Editor,
elders, single parenthood, and the high cost of living and
Generafions United, 122 ( Street, N.W, Suite 820, Washington, D( 20001 or
housing.
,
call 202/638-1263.
American Family should prove to be a victory on many
fronts: a victory for Hispanic issues, a victory for diverse
Alia Peterson, Editor
Marcia Detong, Design 8 Layout, Belong Litho
BEST COPY AVAILABLE
Generations United: Together
page 4
SPOTLIGHT:
iE
1IN THE SPOTLIGHT: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF HOMES AND
SERVICES FOR THE AGING
HALLOWEEN
2001
WITH
THE MARVIN
CHILDREIVS
CENTER
following are two examples
,,rhe American
of the many
Association of
intergenerational programs
Homes and Services
currently operated by
for the Aging (AAHSA) is a
AAHSA members.
nonprofit association
representing 5,600
mission-driven, not-for-
THE MARVIN
pro fit nursing homes,
By Mary Windt
continuing care retirement
Executive Director
communities, assisted
The Marvin/
living and senior housing
Under One Roof, Inc.
facilities, and community
service organizations. Every
When one 66-year-old
1
day, AAHSAs members
resident of Norwalk, Conn.,
serve one million older
was looking for a new place
persons across the country
to live, one reason she
AAHSA serves its
chose The Marvin was that
members by representing
it was about to open a child
the concerns of not-for-
care center that would
profit organizations that
allow her to interact daily
serve the elderly through
with young children. The
interaction with Congress
Marvin, an
and federal agencies. The
intergenerational senior
mentors. Daily interaction
association also strives to
housing and child care
with the children helps to
enhance the
initiative, opened in March
TEDDY BEAR
meet the emotional needs
professionalism of
1997 and offers affordable
INTERGENERATIONAL
of residents and keep them
practitioners and facilities
congregate housing for the
OUTREACH PROGRAM
active. The center also
through accreditation and
frail elderly. It also contains
By Helen Shelly
services the needs of low-
certification programs,
The Marvin Children's
Activity Director
income families in the area
educational conferences
a renovated wing
Center
Willow Wood at Woldenberg
who need quality childcare.
and publications
for preschool children
Village
The Marvin is owned and
representing current
complete with two
operated by Under One
thinking in the long-term
classrooms, a kitchen,
Sometimes a hug is just
Roof, Inc., an independent
care and retirement housing
access to an indoor
what you need to feel safe.
not-for-profit organization
fields. As a Generations
community room and a
That is what the residents
formed for the sole purpose
United board member
large outdoor playground.
of Woldenberg Village in
of developing this unique
organization, AAHSA has
The center was made
New Orleans, La., have
intergenerational program.
shown commitment to
possible through a unique
given local children
encouraging
public-private partnership.
through their award-
For more information contact
intergenerational
Older residents are actively
winning Teddy Bear
Mary Windt at 203-854-
programming in its
involved with the children,
Intergenerational
4660 or e-mail
member organizations. The
sharing their time, telling
continued on page 35
[email protected]
stories and serving as
Winter * 2002
page 5
INTERGENERATIONAL PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE
he events of September 11th substantially changed
EILENERITARY AIL SECOMARY EDUCA1fl1ON ACT
the schedule and priorities of Congress, who did not
OM eiIl2i©
finish their 2001 session until the week before
PARENT- The term 'parent' includes a legal guardian or
Christmas. With more funds being directed toward
other person standing in loco parentis.
homeland security and plans for stimulating the economy,
many domestic human service programs have received less
attention and funding than anticipated. Although the Social
New Detion
Services Block Grant was hit with another decrease and
PARENT- The term 'parent' includes a legal guardian or
plans for the introduction of housing legislation were
other person standing in loco parentis (such as a
postponed until 2002, there is some good news for the
grandparent or stepparent with whom the child lives, or a
intergenerational community in the areas of education,
person who is legally responsible for the child's welfare).
national and community service, and supportive services to
family caregivers.
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
While any congressional action around the
ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION ACT
reauthorization of the Corporation for National and
After nearly a full year of debate on the Education bill,
Community Service (formerly the Corporation for National
which was the first bill to be introduced in the 107th
Service) was pushed to 2002, appropriators increased
Congress, conferees agreed on a version, which passed the
funding for CNCS programs for FY 2002. Funding for
House and Senate and was signed into law on January 9.
Seniors Corps, which falls under the umbrella of CNCS
While the most publicized changes in the Elementary and
programs, increased by almost $18 million from last year.
Secondary Education Act have revolved around mandatory
Senior Corps program increases included 7.8 million more
student testing and new federal requirements for quality
for foster grandparents, 4 million more for senior
improvements in teaching and school accountability, the bill
companions and $6 million more for retired senior
also includes good news for grandparents.
volunteers. The bill also includes a 10 cent per hour stipend
In April, Generations United submitted language to the
increase for foster grandparents and senior companions.
Education and Workforce Committee asking that the
AmeriCorps*Vista funding also went up $2.2 million. While
definition of parent include grandparents and other relatives
$400,000 that was appropriated for senior demonstration
raising children. The committee adopted some of the
activities was directed for evaluations, recruitment and
language into their bill and this new language was included
training and technical assistance, Congress stipulated that it
in the final version, which was signed by the president. The
cannot be used for new demonstrations projects.
revised definition specifically identifies grandparents and
Five million dollars was also appropriated for a new
stepparents as examples of qualifying persons "standing in
"Volunteers in Homeland Security" initiative under CNCS.
loco parentis."
This initiative comes in response tc the president's
While rules regarding enrollment of children, are
November 8th announcement that the CNCS will support
primarily determined at the state and local level, the new
homeland security in the coming year in three major areas:
definition will improve access to education for children
public safely; public health; and disaster mitigation and
being raised by grandparents by helping to clarify that
preparedness. Furthermore, proposed legislation
grandparents, who are frequently excluded, should be
announced on November 6th by Senators John McCain (R-
involved in provisions concerning parental involvement in
AZ) and Evan Bayh (D-IN) and Representatives Harold Ford
the children's education. While the previous definition did
(D-TN) and Tom Osborne (R-NE) would expand the
not exclude grandparents and other relatives, it did not
number of AmeriCorps members by five times in the next
clearly name them either. The new version still does not
ten years. Fifty percent of these members would be required
specifically name other relatives raising children in its
to serve on projects involving homeland security or public
definition of parent. It does, however, further open the door
safety Furthermore the legislation would authorize the
to an interpretation, which is more inclusive of this
Silver Scholarships program, which was originally included
population. The revisions in the definition of parent are
in the Corporation's FY 2002 budget request but was not
outlined below
continued on page 7
BEST COPY AVAILABLE
Generations United: Together
page 6
GENERATIONS COME TOGETHER FOR IINTERGENERATION DAY 2001
Aging coordinated an event
By Lisa Ruth,
Hampton County Recreation
with the Cedars Home for
Executive Director of
PLAN NOW FOR OCTOBER 9TH
Department, South Carolina
.Children, a temporary
In tergeneration Foundation
Purdue University Gerontology
INTERGENERATIONAL DAY
home for children in the
Student Organization
foster care system. Seniors
ctober 7, 2001
2002
Pikes Peak Library District, Colorado
and the children did craft
marked the
Springs, Colorado
projects and story time
Second Annual
Centura Health Senior Services,
together. Tami Barrett, the
Intergeneration Day,
Colorado
Intergenerational
culminating
Coordinator for the project
The Center for Christian-Jewish
Intergeneration Activities
stated, "Everyone seemed to
Dialogue
Week. This national event
really enjoy the evening.
National Estate Planners and
initiated by Intergeneration
Seniors were able to see
Foundation of Colorado
Councils
how resilient these children
Springs, Colorado is
Colorado Springs Senior Center
are through their difficult
designed to increase
lives and the children
awareness about
enjoyed some personal
intergenerational issues,
attention. Aging Services
relationships and
would like to take part in
programs. Participation in
next year's Intergeneration
Intergeneration Day 2001
Day"
brings us closer to this
Other events included
goal, and the
story times at the library,
Intergenerational
church services, family
Foundation looks forward
reunions, nursing home
to partnering with other
visits by youth, heritage
organizations to expand
projects, socials, dances and
awareness and
craft shows.
participation each
We are now entering
succeeding year.
into the planning stages for
Participation in
lntergeneration Day 2002,
In addition, the
support at the biannual
Intergeneration Day spread
which will take place on
Governors of 22 states and
international conference of
from a local Colorado
Sunday October 6, 2002
Puerto Rico have
Springs event in 2000 to a
the World Jurist Association
culminating Intergeneration
recognized Intergeneration
in Dublin, Ireland in
national event in 2001.
Activities Week. Please
Day through proclamations.
September 2001. Delegates
The following organizations
include this date in your
Those states are: Alaska,
are a sampling of those who
of lawyers, judges and law
yearly calendar of events.
California, Colorado,
professors from 44
endorsed or participated in
Intergeneration Day
Florida, Idaho, Illinois,
countries unanimously
Intergeneration Day:
creates positive press and
Indiana, Kansas, Maine,
passed a resolution
'community awareness
Maryland, Massachusetts,
presented by
Generations United
about age-integrated
Mississippi, Nebraska, New
Intergeneration Foundation
American Council of Life Insurers
programs. Your
Hampshire, New Jersey,
President Sandy Kraemer
The Eden Alternative
communities, clients,
New Mexico, North
encouraging all nations to
Rainbow Bridge, Denver, Colorado
service area and funders
Carolina, North Dakota,
focus increased attention on
Lincoln Nebraska Area Agency on
become more aware of
Oklahoma, Rhode Island,
intergenerational issues.
Aging
what you are doing and the
Virginia, and Washington.
This year the Lincoln
Bowman Elementary School, South
Intergeneration Day
Nebraska Area Agency on
continued on page 7
Carolina
efforts received strong
Winter * 2002
page 7
to 2002. Generations United has been working with
PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE,
continued from page 5
Representative Capuano (D-MA) to iron out details of the
proposed legislation to improve access to safe and affordable
funded for FY 2002. The Silver Scholarships program would
housing for grandparents and other relatives raising
allow older Americans to volunteer 500 hours of tutoring
children. This bill will be called LEGACY: Living Equitably
and mentoring for youth in exchange for $1000 scholarships
Grandparents Aiding Children &Youth, inspired by the
for -use by their children, grandchildren or another children.
Academy Award nominated film, Legacy, which helped
stimulate the development of the legislation. The bill will
OLDER AMERICAN ACT
include provisions to create demonstration programs to
The Older Americans Act received increases in funding
replicate Grandfamilies, a successful housing facility in
for nearly every one of its services, with an overall increase of
Boston designed specifically for grandparents and other
nearly nine percent from last year. Among the increases is
relatives raising children. It will also clarify that
additional funding for the National Family Caregiver
grandparent- headed households are eligible for family
Support Program, which saw a $16.5 million increase,
unification housing and call for education of frontline
landing at $141.5 million for FY 2002. Up to ten percent of
workers who, though no fault of their own, may be
these funds can be used for support services for
misinterpreting policies in a way that inappropriately limits
grandparents and other older relatives raising children.
housing for these families. The proposed legislation recently
gained another original co-sponsor, Representative Connie
SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT
Morella (R-MD), one of the co-chairs of the Older
Despite efforts by a coalition of advocacy groups
Americans Caucus in the House. With bi-partisan support,
working to restore funding of the Social Services Block Grant
this proposed legislation should be ready for introduction in
to the full $2.38 billion agreed to in the 1996 welfare law,
early 2002.
SSBG funding was decreased to $1.7 billion, down 25
million from last year. The strong voices of advocates were,
For up to date information on this and other legislation relevant
however, able to maintain the ability for states to transfer up
to intergenerational programs and policies, visit the legislative
to ten percent of their TANF funds to SSBG.
alert and public policy update sections of GU's web site at
www.gu.org, or if you would like to receive timely legislative
updates and alerts about what you can do to help pass
HOUSING LEGISLATION FOR GRANDPARENTS AND OTHER
intergenerational legislation in 2002, please contact Jaia Peterson
RELATIVES RAISING CHILDREN
by [email protected].
After the events of September 11th and changing
legislative priorities, plans for the introduction of housing
legislation for grandparents raising children were postponed
Guide and Fact Sheets on the
Nationa/ Fa
Support Program
INTERGENERATION DAY,
d
continued from page 6
Its Inclusion
Inclusion of Grandparents and
of Granpe
d a
and Other Relatives Rairsir
Children'
Other Relatives Raising Children
once. This is what
benefits involved. Service
organizations not involved
Intergeneration Day is
m the National Family Caregiver
in ongoing
about, increasing
Support Program
intergenerational programs
awareness, inviting
V,Lrtro
can consider collaborations
participation and inspiring
Wee/
Zeo /4cietdadee
to celebrate Intergeneration
others.
eut ate
Day, therefore leading to
improved relations between
For more information about
Generations United recently released its new guide to the National Family Caregiver
senior and youth
Intergeneration Day,
Support Program (NFCSP) and its inclusion of Grandparents and Other Relatives
organizations.
culminating In tergeneration
Raising Children. This reader friendly, detailed guide provides: background
We believe the impact
Activities Week, or to report
information concerning grandparents and other relatives raising children; information
of intergeneration messages
on your event, please contact
about National Family Caregiver Support Program provisions; and examples of
and the voices of the many
Lisa Ruth at [phone],
successful programs across the nation. A fact sheet about the program is available
interested organizations
ruth@intergenerationdayorg
as well. Both publications can be found at www.gu.org or can be ordered by filling
across the country will be
or visit our web site
out a GU's publication order form or by calling 202-6381 263 or emailing
heard if we all speak at
wwwintergenerationdayorg.
[email protected].
BEST COPY AVAILABLE
9
Generations United: Together
page 8
LITTLE BROTHERS Go TO FRANCE: INTERGENERATIONAL
CONNECTIONS OVERSEAS
By Peg Mitchell,
demonstrated, and in fact
Volunteer, Little Brothers: Friends of the Elderly
tested, the cohesion of the
relationships. For the first
A
year the recreational event
swise, albeit grammatically challenged person once
was a trip to the Little
aid, If it ain't broke, don't fix-it". Little Brothers
.
Brothers' Intergenerational
riends of the Elderly's Chicago location elected not
Center in France.
to heed that.advice last.year. After more than forty years of
Themes explored
serving the elderly, we ventured into the intergenerational
during the first year's
realm with an ambitious pilot program.
monthly meetings included
Little Brothers is an international organization with its
the history and customs of
roots in post World War II in France. It has had a presence
Thanksgiving, Chicago
in the United States since 1959, starting in Chicago and
trivia and history, favorite
continuing to expand to various other U.S. locations.
personal pass times, patriotic holidays, childhood chores
The mission of Little Brothers is to provide
(then and now), and the exchange of recipes. Before the end
companionship and friendship to the elderly through its
of each meeting the children and the elderly collaborated to
celebrations of life and visiting friend programs. Through
prepare an e-mail message to the staff and residents of the
these programs young volunteers celebrate life's experiences
Little Brothers' Intergenerational
especially birthdays and
Center in France who would host
holidays, with older adult
our visit in 2001.
participants and older
The trip to France created an
adults are matched with a
fit
opportunity for the relationships
young volunteer for regular
i_..
and intergenerational
visits and a life-time
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understanding to expand to a level
friendship.
that monthly meetings alone could
Inspired by the
70.
not have accomplished.. Although
Intergenerational Center of
both young and old experienced
our French counterpart,
the same tours, sights and
Chicago
Little Brothers
recreational activities, their
organized a pilot project to
perspectives on these experiences
bring together five older
came from opposite ends of the life cycle. For example, the
adults ranging from age 79 to 99, and six young people
children no doubt had superior schooling about France than
ranging from age 10 to 13. Project goals included
the elderly would have received early in the twentieth
demonstrating to the children the elder's vitality, and the
century However, the elderly had the life experience and
lessons they bring from varied histories, cultures and
understanding of immigrating from a foreign country, or the
experiences; and demonstrating to the elderly their ability to
effect of World War II on day-to-day life in Europe and the
establish relationships with children at a meaningful level
U.S. Sharing these different perspectives created an
while giving them a personal gliitipse at the lives of children
appreciation for both.
today that they may not otherwise experience.
While all stated goals were met by the end of this two-
Each of the two years of the project was divided into
year project, the most significant results were far less
the preparatory phase and the recreational
two phases
academic than the stated goals. The children were exposed
phase. During the first phase monthly meetings were held
to the realities of aging as a result of the death of one of the
featuring a theme that allowed for a two-way exchange of
elderly participants early in the project, and through the
ideas and experiences. Children are encouraged to bridge
casual exposure to an elderly person's prosthetic limb. On
time between meetings by visiting one of the elders. The
second phase consisted of a two-week recreational event that
continued on page 9
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