Generations Incorporated

Track Sponsor:Tufts Health Plan Foundation

Founded: 1989 as a program of Magic Me, a national intergenerational program

Independently Incorporated: 1991

Current Revenue: $2.2 million

Website: http://www.generationsinc.org

 

Need

The U.S. faces challenges at both ends of the age spectrum:

  • The rapidly growing population of older adults ages 55+ is increasingly seeking opportunities for meaningful community service that will keep them active well into their later years.
  • 55% percent of older adults live alone and 39% only leave their homes on a limited basis, which places them at greater risk of social isolation and its negative consequences, including depression and other health impacts.
  • At the same time, many of today’s 1st–4th grade children are not receiving the individualized literacy instruction they need to learn to read and succeed throughout their academic careers and lives. In Boston alone, 70% of third-graders are classified as “needing improvement” or “failing” reading skills.
  • Reading is “the fulcrum of academics, the pivotal process that stabilizes and leverages children’s opportunities to succeed and to become reflective, independent learners.”
  • Struggling in school and failing classes are principal factors that drive school dropout rates, and these patterns tend to develop early.

About

Generations Incorporated strengthens individuals and communities in Greater Boston by uniting older adults ages 55+ seeking meaningful opportunities for community service with 1st–4th grade students in need of literacy tutoring. Each year, the organization engages over 300 older adult volunteer “members” to deliver the nationally recognized Experience Corps literacy intervention to more than 2,000 public school students. Its evidence-based intergenerational programming fosters strong interpersonal relationships and achieves marked health benefits for members and academic improvements for students.

Key Accomplishments

Today’s population of older adults is projected to grow to 108 million by 2030. They are the healthiest, best-educated cohort to ever move through and beyond their ‘50s. As part of the Experience Corps national network, Generations Incorporated is uniquely positioned to tap this growing pool of human capital with a proven service model that positively impacts older adults and the children they serve.

A 2009 randomized control study conducted by Washington University and endorsed by the Federal Department of Education demonstrated the efficacy of the Experience Corps model:

  • Participating students show an average of 60% more progress in learning critical reading skills than their peers.
  • Volunteers show significant decreases in depression and functional limitations in comparison to their peers.

In the Greater Boston area, Boston Public Schools Superintendent Carol Johnson has publicly lauded the program, as has the superintendent of the Revere Public Schools, indicating strong growth opportunities in both districts.

Join the Cause

In-Kind Support

  • Volunteer membership – join Generations Incorporated in service!
  • Public relations and marketing services
  • Catering and space for training and events

Financial Support

  • $25,000 – Recruit, train, & deploy 5 teams of 15 members
  • $5,000 – Recruit, train, & deploy one team of members
  • $1,000 – Curriculum materials for one team of members

Learn More

Want to learn more about Generations Incorporated? View their full Social Innovation Forum prospectus here

Contact Information

Mary Gunn
Executive Director
(617) 778-7195
mgunn@generationsinc.org

Generation Incorporated at the Seventh Annual Social Innovation Forum Showcase Event


Read more about the other past Social Innovators