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 Easter Seals connects Wisdom of Age,Enthusiasm of Youth…Celebrate National Intergeneration Day
Sunday, Oct. 3, 2004
CHICAGO, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ --
Every day
presents an
opportunity to connect with individuals of a different generation but,
for most, work and family demands, daily routines, and hectic schedules
cause
such occasions to fall by the wayside. Intergeneration Day is one
way the Intergeneration Foundation and Easter Seals are helping
families and organizations make time for these important connections.
Increasingly, caregiving experts are
recognizing the benefits to building intergenerational relationships
between children and older adults and seniors.
Age-integration fosters
an appreciation for cultural heritage, traditions, histories and values,
and heightens community awareness and understanding of issues that
affect each generation.
"Community-based programs joining
children and seniors through various activities -- arts and crafts, book
readings, movie nights, service projects -- are gaining in popularity,"
said Jed Johnson, Easter Seals assistant vice president, Adult and
Senior Services. "Seniors share their experiences and knowledge with
children, children pass along their enthusiasm and energy to seniors.
The participants in our
programs become great friends."
A Day to Unite
Generations
First celebrated in Colorado Springs,
Colorado, with a proclamation by Governor Owens in the fall of 2000,
Intergeneration Day is now observed across 30 states and
internationally. The national campaign focuses on intergeneration
experiences and issues, brings attention to age-integration success
stories, educates families and organizations about the overall benefits
of connecting generations, and encourages development of new programs
and relationships.
This year Easter Seals, the nation's
leading non-profit provider of services for children and adults with
disabilities, has partnered with the Intergeneration Foundation to
nationally
co-sponsor Intergeneration Day and work alongside other local
organizations to coordinate the day's community events and activities.
"Intergeneration Day provides a
perfect opportunity for children to learn about charity, acceptance,
compassion, and perseverance," added Johnson. "Older family members
and
seniors in the community can be some of the best teachers." -- Get involved in intergenerational programs
through volunteerism and philanthropy
-- research offerings in your area,
visit a senior center,participate in a
fundraising activity, or reach out to a neighbor.
-- Connect with family members of a different
generation -- spend some time together, send
a letter or email, and pick up the phone.
-- Learn more about your family tree -- conduct
online research, ask older members about your
family history, look through or organize family
photos, and begin to map out your family's
genealogy on paper.
-- Host a family gathering or celebration.
-- Review financial and estate planning,
considering intergenerational transfers.
About Intergeneration Foundation
ntergeneration Foundation connects
generations through communication, celebration and education. It
welcomes
all who believe that individual family and community success
will increase by reaching out to other generations. Intergeneration
Foundation assists with intergenerational events by providing free
brochures, banners, and other promotional materials for Intergeneration
Day events. Please visit
http://www.intergenerationday.org/ .About Easter Seals
For 85 years, Easter Seals has been
providing services that help children and adults with disabilities gain
greater independence. Our primary services-medical rehabilitation, job
training and employment, child care, adult day services, and camping and
recreation-benefit more than 1 million individuals with disabilities and
their families each year through more than 500 centers nationwide. To
learn more visit
http://www.easterseals.com/ .
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