COMING OF AGE COMES TO THE BAY

SAN FRANCISCO — A new program, Coming of Age:Bay Area, launches this week. This innovative program, first on the West Coast, aims to capture and utilize the expertise and energy of people age 50+ as a powerful force for social good.

Coming of Age:Bay Area works with individuals as they explore and chart their futures and make rewarding transitions to the next phase of life. At the same time, Coming of Age works with local nonprofit organizations to build their capacity to develop compelling, meaningful service opportunities that benefit our communities.

Through a series of structured programs, consultation, recruitment for select paid and unpaid opportunities, online programs and public events, Coming of Age will help forge connections between boomers and others aged 50+ with the organizations that need their help.

In the next decades, most of the 78 million baby boomers in the US will join the dynamic generation that preceded them in retiring from full-time work. Anticipating decades more of productivity and good health, these retirees and pre-retirees are exploring new interests, contemplating second careers, and offering expertise in their communities. 

Because of the sheer size, energy and diversity of this powerful group, they are also fundamentally changing ideas about retirement and aging.

“The goal of Coming of Age,” said Janet Oh, co-director, “is to be able to harness the power of this group and turn this force into a benefit for the entire community.

“We can’t risk losing their valuable skills and experience as they retire—or, in some cases, lose their jobs. There are so many worthy nonprofit and public sector organizations that need help—especially in the current economy. Coming of Age is here to help people chart a path that will keep them fulfilled, and at the same time strengthen the community.” 

The first Coming of Age workshop for local nonprofit organizations begins February 23; the first for individuals 50+ is set for Tuesday, March 17. Future events are scheduled in both San Francisco and Alameda Counties, and are described in detail on the website, at www.ComingofAge.org/BayArea.

An e-newsletter, highlighting resources, events and opportunities, will be available at no charge at the end of February.

Coming of Age is a growing national initiative that began in Philadelphia in 2002. The San Francisco Bay Area program is the first on the West Coast. The organization has expanded its scope from its previous role as the RSVP volunteer program for San Francisco and Alameda Counties.

Coming of Age:Bay Area is sponsored by Northern California Presbyterian Homes and Services (NCPHS), with additional funding provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service/RSVP grant, the Hands on Network, and other community grants, and in partnership with KQED.

For more information, visit the website, call (888) 308-1767 or (415) 474-7787, or email comingofage@ncphs.org.

###