Many people 50+ seek opportunities to share their skills, knowledge, and experiences with younger generations. If you are 50+ , you can be an invaluable source of support for young people. At the same time young people need opportunities to give of themselves.

 

By working with older adults on community projects or by reaching out to those who may require assistance, young people develop important skills and meet real needs.

 

Intergenerational programs are valuable approaches for addressing critical social problems, ensuring passing down culture from generation to generation, building stronger communities. Here are some ways you can become involved in doing all of the above!

 

Family Friends is an in-home support program in which adults 50+ visit families who have children with special needs. Volunteers make visits once a week for two hours and receive a $10 stipend for each visit. Pre-service training is offered and there are monthly volunteer in-service meetings. Contact Nancy Hale at (215) 204-3193 or via email at nhale@temple.edu.

 

Full Circle Theatre  is a diverse ensemble of actors ages 14 to 92 who use interactive and improvisational theatre to have fun with audiences and encourage them to confront social concerns and solve problems. 

 

Actors rehearse weekly September through May. Lasting friendships and lots of laughs are a major part of the experience. The troupe performs at conferences, schools, hospitals, community and senior centers and is now recruiting male and female actors age 55+. No previous acting experience is required. Contact Robin Dunn (215) 204-9386 or via email at rtdunn@temple.edu .

 

Project SHINE (Students Helping in the Naturalization of Elders) is a national program based at the Center which recruits and trains college students to provide language, literacy, and citizenship tutoring for immigrant and refugee adults 50+. Students tutor between two and four hours each week in community organizations throughout Philadelphia. Work/study positions available. Do you know a student who might be interested?  Have them contact Liz Hayden (215) 204-8570 or via email at Haydenl@temple.edu.

 

 

Volunteers at WHYY help out in a variety of ways everyday in addition to the station’s on-air membership drives. Call Sandie Chatfield at 215-351-1261 or email her at schatfield@whyy.org for more information.

 

 

AARP's community service programs offer a variety of volunteer opportunities including mentoring, visiting nursing homes, helping others in their homes, advocacy and more. Call Karen Seeber at 1-866-389-5654 or visit AARP Pennsylvania.