Inspiring Opportunities is an e-mail from Coming of Age for people 50+ who are making a difference in the world, in their communities and in their lives.



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Have We Got an Opportunity for You!
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The West Philly Tool Library is open and ready for business. This newly-created non-profit organization operated by community residents, lends tools and equipment to anyone in the city (with a $20 membership). It's the place to find the 40-foot extension ladder, table saw, and belt sander you need to turn that historic home or vacant lot into a neighborhood jewel. Read this Philadelphia Inquirer article to learn more.


Too often, children of elderly parents agonize about how to find the right kind of help for their parent(s)... someone who is patient, reliable, and skilled. While referrals can work, there's another approach that is growing in popularity... finding a caregiver through the Internet! This CNN article offers websites and other online resources that can help you locate quality in-home care in your area. The family in the photo are among those who can vouch for this 21st century solution.


One morning, a blood vessel in Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor's brain exploded. As a brain scientist, she realized that she had a ringside seat to her own stroke. She watched as her brain functions shut down one by one: motion, speech, memory, self-awareness. Amazed to find herself alive, Taylor spent eight years regaining her ability to think, walk, and talk and is now a spokesperson for stroke recovery. See and hear her extraordinary story. It is about making connections far beyond her personal experience.




  If you know of a volunteer opportunity in the Greater Philadelphia area that you would like featured here, e-mail details to havewegot@comingofage.org. You can find more opportunities at:




Consider becoming an Americorps*VISTA in the Rhode Island Campus Compact (RICC) and making a real difference for those in local communities needing help and support. In this position, you will deal with the pressing issues facing low-income neighborhoods by improving the quality of campus community service and service-learning programs. You will also work increase the number of student volunteers who work in these communities. AmeriCorps*VISTA members build relationships with community-based organizations and connect them with campus resources such as student volunteers, faculty teaching service-learning courses and community Federal Work Study programs. Read More.


The American Red Cross is looking for those "left-brainers" who like to work with numbers and money... and want their work to count in helping others (tapping into the "right" side, as well!). Two volunteer positions in the Accounting Department are open: the Volunteer Accountant will work closely with the Financial Coordinator to manage vendor pricing and relationships; an Accounts Receivable Clerk will support the Accounting Department and work on cash receipts. To find out about these opportunities, Read More.


Paoli Hospital invites you to join its volunteer family. There are two opportunities now available: Gift Shop Volunteer and Escort Volunteer. Gift Shop duties include sales, answering phones, maintaining supplies, and customer service. An Escort Volunteer helps transport in-patients to and from testing areas and brings light supplies to patient floors. Time commitment is a 4-hour shift once a week and a minimum stay of 6 months. For questions and to apply, call (610) 648-1099.


Are you someone who enjoys meeting people from all over the world? Do you get excited when talking about Philadelphia? If the answer is "yes", the City Hall Visitor and Tour Center is looking for you! Enthusiastic volunteers are needed to greet people, provide information about the history, art and architecture of the building, and schedule tours. Time commitment:at least one-half day a week. To learn more, contact Greta Greenberger at (215) 686-2840 or by e-mail.


Pennsbury Manor, the recreated Morrisville home of William Penn, explores Pennsylvania's past and the impact of its founding father through estate tours. Those interested in being Volunteer Guides are asked to attend 5 workshops (every Wednesday in April, from 1:30 - 4:30 pm) that cover the life and times of William Penn and the layout of his estate. The first workshop is April 2nd. Call Ann Clements at (215) 946-0400 or e-mail to enroll.




We list events and opportunities here we think will interest people 50+ who want to make a difference. If you know of such events, please send us information. If you attended an event you learned about here, please send us a review.

And don't forget to check out our website Community Calendar too!


11:00 am at Penn Law School, Silverman 240 A, 3400 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
Unfortunately, animal law has become a hot topic with dog fighting scandals and other animal rights issues making the headlines. Penn Law is hosting a legal education forum to educate the public about contemporary issues in animal law and to encourage people to get involved. The full-day event will include workshops, a Q & A session, and a vegan lunch. FREE. RSVP.
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1:00 pm at Wagner Free Institute, 1700 West Montgomery Avenue, Philadelphia
Human skin serves a number of purposes - from protection against the elements to providing a surface for self-decoration. One of its unique and most significant attributes is that it comes in a range of natural colors. Dr. Nina Jablonski, world-renowned anthropologist, paleobiologist, and author will discuss her 15-year groundbreaking research on the evolution of human skin and its significance for human racial distinction. FREE
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4:00 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia
Philadelphia was once the art capital of America, known as both as the "Workshop of the World" and the "Athens of America." This is no longer the case. How do we support artists in the city today? Join the conversation, along with a distinguished panel of university, art, and media leaders, to figure out what can be done to restore Philadelphia's pre-eminence as an art mecca. FREE. A ticketed fund-raising reception and auction will follow. Check out the website for more information.
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10:00 am at African American Museum of Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia
This exhibit brings to life the rich history of the Negro League baseball greats... and recognizes their indelible contributions to the game and the country. Composed of 100 photographs featuring baseball highlights from the late 1800s through the 1960s, the exhibit includes tributes to the National Baseball Hall of Fame inductees and features pennants, replica uniforms and posters marking the League's heyday.
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8:00 am at Hilton Hotel, City Avenue, Philadelphia
Use this full-day symposium aimed at mobilizing the community to help prevent Jewish genetic diseases as a springboard for educating others. Professionals and families are invited to hear a keynote address by Senator Arlen Specter; learn about the effectiveness of screening; find out about joining advocacy efforts and hear families discuss their experiences. The lead sponsor is Albert Einstein Healthcare Network’s Victor Center. For more information, call (215) 456-3373 or visit this website.
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10:30 am at William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia
Members of the LGBTQ community who are 50+ are invited to make connections and meet new people, listen to guest speakers, and go on local field trips with this social group every Tuesday morning. Bring friends. FREE. For information, call (215) 732-2220.
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6:00 pm at Physick House, 321 S. 4th Street, Philadelphia
Learn what defines the unique look and feel of our city. William Whitaker, Curator of Penn's Architectural Archives, will provide that framework by surveying "modern" architecture in the Philadelphia area from the early masterworks of the 1930s through the landmark, mid-century designs of George Howe, Oscar Stonorov, Louis I. Kahn and others. To register for this Landmarks Architectural Series lecture, click here.
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6:30 pm at National Constitution Center, Kirby Auditorium, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia
This Presidential primary season has been fascinating, but is it fair? Should the process be changed? ... and if so, how? A diverse panel with political and campaign experience will be presenting their opinions and opening the floor for discussion at this program, part of a National Constitution Center series, Election 08: the Power of We, designed to engage citizens in the upcoming election. Don't miss this opportunity to be heard! FREE. Reservations required. Call (215) 409-6700.
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8:00 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia
Plan on attending a presentation by Samantha Power, Founding Executive Director of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy and the 2003 Pulitzer Prize winner for A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide. Named one of the top 100 scientists and thinkers of 2004 by Time magazine, Power will discuss her new book, Chasing the Flame, a stirring portrait of Sergio Vieira de Mello, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Tickets: $7-$14 Call (800) 595-4849 to order.
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5:00 pm at Khmer Art Museum Gallery, 319 N. 11th Street, Philadelphia
Angela Capano brings her compelling and beautiful images of Cambodia to Philadelphia's Khmer Art Museum Gallery. The Gallery introduces Cambodian culture to the public and celebrates the dignity, pride, and progress of the Cambodian people who have settled in the United States as they make a steady recovery from the tragedy and legacy of war. Visit on this "First Friday" Open House and attend the special artist's reception.  
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For You and Those You Care For


Most health insurance plans provide for in-hospital care, doctor visits and preventive healthcare needs. But, they may not cover many other health-related needs of adults 65+, such as the costs of Long Term Care, which is also not covered by Medicare.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has developed a resourceful planning kit and a consumer website to help you carefully prepare for a safe and secure strategy for your future healthcare needs. Read More.

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VISTA is looking for experienced, energetic individuals who want to make a full-time, year-long commitment to fight poverty. If you’re retiring soon, already there or want to take a year off for a year of service, VISTA may be for you. Living allowances and other benefits are provided. More About VISTA

See this week's featured VISTA opportunity under "Have We Got an Opportunity For You."