GlamourGals

PHOTO: Courtesy of Glamour Gals Foundation, Inc.

EDITOR’s NOTE: Each week, we’ll feature intergenerational program ideas that were tried and successful. This series is a tool to highlight various age-optimized programs and practices. The program descriptions are provided by representatives of the programs. Inclusion in this series does not imply Generations United’s endorsement or recommendation, but rather encourages ideas to inspire other programs.

In part 15 of our series, we feature GlamourGals Foundation, Inc., a national nonprofit that engages over 1,400 teen volunteers through its 68 chapters.

(Checkour archives for parts 1-14.)

GlamourGals' mission is to inspire and organize teen volunteers to provide ongoing companionship and complimentary beauty makeovers to women living in senior homes.

Working to build a movement of young leaders who provide a solution to elder loneliness, the organization’s volunteer program engages teens in critical skill-building experiences and promotes their development as leaders.

Manicures and makeovers are just half the story.

GlamourGals’ teen volunteers are organized locally into chapters, which consist of approximately ten members led by teen leaders. Chapter leaders recruit, train and organize their volunteers with the support of GlamourGals National.

Chapters are established in high schools and colleges as independent school clubs or as permanent service activities within existing service clubs. Chapters commit to visiting their local senior home to provide GlamourGals’ signature manicures and makeovers.

In addition to makeovers, chapter leaders plan meetings, recruitment, training, and fundraising events, which involve their school and greater community.

GlamourGals National goes beyond just organizing volunteer chapters that provide ongoing visits to local senior homes. They provide training and mentorship for the teens in the program through a monthly curriculum, as well as incentives and scholarship rewards.

Got something cool you tried that was successful? Why not tweet your cool intergenerational ideas to #cooligideas? You can also post them to our Intergenerational Connections Facebook Group. Youth Jumpstart Grantees can share ideas here. Or just text us through the Facebook Messenger

app (friend me to join our Cool Intergenerational Ideas group discussion). We want to highlight innovative age-optimized programs and practices through our blog, social media and weekly e-newsletter!  Share the inspiration.