Grandfamily Success Story: Darryl Robinson

Darryl Robinson, a freshman at Georgetown University studying health-care management and policy, was recently featured in the Washington Post, giving an account of his first year at Georgetown University and the struggles he overcame to get there. The focus of the article, “I excelled in D.C. schools. But I wasn’t ready for college,” was about how our high schools do, or many times do not, prepare students for college. To many, Darryl Robinson was just another young African American male being raised by his grandmother and would never go very far. Darryl stated that “failure was more believable than achievement” for someone in his situation. No one challenged him to think for himself or develop his own ideas, only memorize and recall information. Darryl recalled that his teachers would accuse him of cheating, even though his grandmother would stay up at night and help him study basic math so he would do well on tests. Those doubts, and his grandmother’s support, drove Darryl to want to be more than what was expected of him, and he received a full scholarship to Georgetown University.

Darryl has countless examples of adults that looked at him and assumed he would not succeed, but his grandmother did just the opposite. Even today, she calls her 19 year old grandson daily to check in and offer moral support. Darryl’s grandmother taught him to value education, leading by example as she helped him study each night. Generations United would like to not only highlight the importance of grandparents that give children a safe place to live, but also those that take the extra time and effort to become parents once more and teach their children how to believe in themselves. Darryl took this lesson to heart and is today working hard at Georgetown University, alongside the students he once admired for having the chance to attend one of the nation’s best universities.

 

-Rachel Snell

May is National Foster Care Month!

More than 400,000 American children and youth are in foster care today. This month offers a time to highlight the experiences and urgent needs these children and those that step up and become caregivers. Many of these children that were abused and neglected will reunite with their parents, be adopted into loving homes, or be cared for by relatives. Generations United would like to highlight the importance of relative and grandparent caregivers that step in when a child is in need of a loving and stable home.

According to the U.S. Census, there are almost 7.8 million children living in homes where grandparents or other relatives are the householders, with more than 5.8 million children living in grandparents’ homes and nearly 2 million children living in other relatives’ homes. More than 2.5 million grandparents report they are primarily responsible for the children living with them. Relative caregivers often feel isolated and lack information about support services. Relative caregivers save taxpayers more than $6.5 billion every year by keeping children out of foster care, while often having financial problems themselves.

Despite the challenges and stress that follows raising a child, relative caregivers continue to provide support, offering foster children a chance to stay connected to their family. As we celebrate National Foster Care Month Generations United would like to recognize relative caregivers and the sacrifices made to give children a safe a loving home.  

For more information on the important role grandparents and other relatives play in the lives of children see:

Grandfamilies: Challenges of Caring for the Second Family

GrandFacts: State Fact Sheets for Grandfamilies

-Rachel Snell

Senior Corps Week | Making a Difference for Generations

This year, during the week of May 7-11, we take the time to celebrate Senior Corps Week. Did you know that more than 300,000 older adults serve as Senior Corps volunteers in communities across the country through Foster Grandparents, RSVP, and Senior Companion programs?  Senior Corps helps train older adults to become mentors, coaches or companions to people in need.  Senior Corps also offers older adults the opportunity to apply their job skills and expertise to community projects and organizations.

The Foster Grandparent Program is a successful intergenerational program that connects volunteers who are 55+ to be mentors and help support children and youth that have exceptional needs.  Here’s a Foster Grandparent success story featured on the Senior Corps website:

 

Shirley Holte kept busy working as a pharmacy assistant, repairing antique dolls, and caring for her husband, an Alzheimer’s patient, until a friend suggested that she sign on a Foster Grandparent four years ago. Now she wonders why more people don’t take advantage of the opportunity to spend time with children like the kindergartners in Boone, Iowa, the farming community where Holte has spent her entire life. Each morning as she steps off the bus that brings her to the school that she herself attended, Holte braces herself for the onslaught of hugs proffered by the children in her charge. During the day, she works with the children one-on-one or in small groups, helping them with their reading and listening to their problems. Once, when a child warned her that she wouldn’t like him because both his parents are in prison, Holte reassured him, “I like everybody.” Her secret for handling the children is simple: “I just consider them my grandkids,” said Holte, who is soon to be a great-grandmother for the third time. Although she finds the problems some of the children experience heart-breaking, Holte keeps doing it because, “It gives you a reason to get out of bed in the morning and get going.” -Shirley Holte, Iowa

Senior Corps volunteers are truly making a difference for individuals of every age. We encourage you to celebrate the contributions these volunteers make through service in their communities each and every day. Interested in finding information on local volunteer opportunities with Seniors Corps? Visit www.SeniorCorps.gov.

Celebrating Older Americans Month

Happy Older Americans Month! Celebrate by showing your appreciation and support for older adults as they continue to enrich and strengthen our communities.

This year’s theme—Never Too Old to Play—encourages older adults to stay engaged and active in their communities. In keeping with that theme, the Administration on Aging (AoA) is encouraging people across the country to host a Day of Play in honor of Older Americans Month. A Day of Play can feature activities that bring older adults together with children and youth in their neighborhoods to exercise, socialize and play!  To help coordinate your Day of Play, download the AoA’s activity guide for Bridging the Generation Gap today! 

As President Obama aptly summarized in his Presidential Proclamation declaring May 2012 as Older Americans Month:

From our parks and schools to our faith and service organizations, the generosity and talents of active seniors augment our children's education, bring our families together, and strengthen the fabric of our society. Our seniors have devoted their entire lives to building the future their children and grandchildren deserve. During Older Americans Month, we celebrate their successes and recommit to supporting them as they shape America's next great generation.

We hope you join us in acknowledging the contributions of older Americans during this month and throughout the year!

Image: Administration on Aging

Uniting Generations with the Facts: It’s Not a Fight, it’s a Family

"...the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; those who are in the shadows of life; the sick, the needy and the handicapped. "

- Hubert H. Humphrey

In the April issue of Esquire magazine, an article entitled “The War Against Youth,” by Stephen Marche emerges as the latest attempt to incite generational conflict.  As a result of the attention this piece has received, Generations United has issued a statement in response to the article.  You can read our response on the Together blog.  

Stephen Marche’s “War on Youth” not only contains generational stereotypes, it espouses some basic errors regarding social safety net programs. This perspective pits the generations against each other and alienates the interests of older adults from children’s issues. We encourage advocates for children, youth, older adults and other vulnerable populations to take action on this latest attempt by some to fuel intergenerational conflict. Here are some talking points in response to the article.

1. INVESTING MORE IN CHILDREN

No one would quibble with the idea that our country needs to invest in its citizens across the lifespan. From babies to boomers, we all deserve opportunities to improve our lives and expand our horizons. A growing body of evidence says that investing in quality childhood education programs nets short- and long-term returns for taxpayers. It prepares our children to compete in a global economy and, therefore, strengthens our nation’s economy.

To thrive, children need more than education, they need nutritious food and quality health care. By providing these at an early age, we can help ensure our children are on the path to a healthy, productive future. Older adults in growing numbers are ready and willing to make these investments happen.

2. GENERATIONS INVESTING IN ONE ANOTHER

Marche’s article unjustly blames the Baby Boomer generation for many of the challenges facing our young people today, including crippling student loans and too-few entry level jobs. He further insinuates that the boomers’ callous indifference to the effect those challenges are having on the young will forever stunt the human potential of today’s youth.

Statistics do not bear out his assertions. A survey by the MetLife Mature Market Institute found that two-thirds of grandparents provided an estimated $370 billion in financial support to grandchildren over a five-year period. This averaged out to $8,661 per grandparent household. They did this not out of duty, but out of concern and love for their young family members.

Thousands of grandparents are also finding themselves raising grandchildren when their children are unable to for any number of reasons. These grandparents get no recompense for their efforts, often having to stretch a small retirement income to feed and clothe their grandchildren. By keeping children out of the foster care system experts estimate that these grandfamilies actually save taxpayers more than $6.5 billion every year.[i]

Grandparents step in to provide daily child care, as well. According to the Census Bureau, among the 11.3 million children younger than five whose mothers are employed nationwide, 30 percent are cared for on a regular basis by a grandparent.

Through individual connections, school and community based projects and national service initiatives, young people contribute to the quality of life and care of many older adults as well by volunteering with meals programs, providing home inspections and repair, teaching technology skills and providing companionship.

Such commitment and sacrifices are common across America, punching holes in the Marche’s theory that the generations are at war with each other.  The real truth is the majority of Americans care about each other. They strongly believe, as we do, that “It is not a fight, it is a family.”

Caring for and supporting people of every generation shouldn’t be an either/or proposition. We need to ensure our policies and programs benefit all Americans, whatever their age.

3. COMPARING NET WORTH: IT’S NOT RELEVANT

Income: The amount of money that someone receives on a regular basis

Wealth: The total assets of a household [home value, 401(k) and other savings, checking account, vehicles, etc. MINUS liabilities such as mortgage, car loans, credit card debt, student loans, etc.]

Using a ratio of wealth is misleading. The comparison should be about income.

Typically, householders under the age of 35 haven’t accumulated much wealth. That’s because they tend to spend much of their income paying off debt (including student loans) and establishing their own households. So, while they may have a good income, because of their stage of life, they may have little wealth. By contrast, older householders may have more wealth, but considerably less income.

Let’s take a closer look.

The median net worth for households over age 65 is now $170,494. That may sound like a lot, but what does it really mean? For many people over the age of 65, the bulk of their “wealth” is tied up in their home.

At the time of their greatest earning power, these older Americans were buying and investing in their homes, once considered one of the pillars of solid investment. Times and circumstances have changed the landscape of homeownership and other investments. First came subprime loans, then the housing bubble burst. People over 65 who had once felt secure watched their home values drop significantly while their 401k’s and other retirement investments took a nosedive. The result: higher prices for groceries and essentials, but less money to spend. With much of their wealth tied up in their homes, many retirees now have few liquid assets to serve as a buffer. After all, you can’t buy groceries with drywall or eat the shingles on your roof.

4. KNOWING THE TRUTH: SOCIAL SECURITY IS THERE FOR YOUR CHILDREN

Lest you believe Marche’s “the sky is falling” view of Social Security, you should know that as the program celebrates its 76^th anniversary, Social Security remains one of the nation’s most successful, effective, and popular intergenerational programs. Here are other facts to consider:

Social Security is more than a retirement program. It provides essential protections for people of all ages. Social Security pays more benefits to children than any other federal program, protecting 98 percent of the children in the U.S. in the event that they lose a parent to death or disability. Nearly 7 million children receive part of their family income from Social Security.

Social Security is NOT going bankrupt. Social Security has a $2.6 trillion surplus and can pay full benefits through 2033 without any changes. Furthermore, relatively modest changes could be made and would place the program on a sound financial footing for 75 years and beyond.

Social Security will be there for you and has been every day of your life. Social Security has never missed a payment in 75 years. It is 100% solvent for the next 25 years and, in the highly unlikely case that Congress did not act before 2033, Social Security could still pay about three-fourths of benefits thereafter. With minor changes, Social Security can be solvent for years to come.

Americans would rather pay more than see benefits cut. Two-thirds of all Americans agree that they don’t mind paying for Social Security because of the security and stability it provides to millions of Americans.

Social Security should be strengthened, not cut. The best way to invest in and protect our nation’s most vulnerable citizens is to strengthen Social Security, not cut it. Social Security plays a critical role in providing economic security and indispensable protections for children, families, and retirees.

Reinstate the Social Security Student Benefit. When Congress enacted the student benefit in 1965, it recognized the growing importance of a college education and extended Social Security child benefits until age 22 for children enrolled in college. The benefit acknowledged that most young adults enrolled in post-secondary education depend largely on their parent’s income. In 1981, Congress ended the benefit to address the short-term funding crisis of Social Security. By reinstating the student benefit, we can help eliminate financial barriers to college for those who have lost parental support due to disability or death and help offer these students the support they need.

5. UNDERSTANDING THE REAL NATURE OF THIS CONFLICT

Inequality, the rising class system in America, unemployment across all generations and the growing debt are issues that affect all generations. This is not about generational conflict, this is about class conflict.

The top 1 percent has seen its after-tax income increase nearly 400 percent since 1979; but income for the middle 60 percent rose by just 40 percent.  In the past decade, typical families have actually lost ground (losing about 6 percent of income), while the top 1 percent has continued to gain. These tax inequities are harmful for children, families, and older adults.

Instead of fighting amongst each other, we should be coming together to fight for fairness.

  

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[i] CITATION/REFERENCE

This figure was calculated based on the federal share of the 2000 average monthly foster care maintenance payment for 1 million children. The Green Book of the Committee on Ways and Means, U.S. House of Representatives estimates the cost at $545 per child. This is approximately half of the children being raised in grandfamilies outside of the formal foster care system. Half the children are used for our calculation, due to a conservative estimate that the other half already receive some type of governmental financial assistance, such as a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) child-only grant. Consequently, the cost of one million children entering the system would represent all new financial outlays for taxpayers.

Generations United’s Response to the 2012 Social Security Trustees Report

This year’s Social Security Trustees Report shows that our Social Security system works just as intended, even in difficult times. The 2012 report revealed that Social Security has a large and growing surplus; predicting that by the end of this year Social Security will have an accumulated surplus of $2.7 trillion. Despite this fact, every spring when the Social Security Trustees' annual report is published, the media and some politicians blame Social Security for our country’s fiscal problems and urge severe cuts to the country’s most successful income protection program. Though it’s not surprising, it is disappointing to see Social Security come under unwarranted attack, year after year. Here are the facts:

1. Without any congressional action, Social Security will continue to pay benefits to children, families and retirees for decades. With modest improvements to the program, it will continue to pay those benefits for the next century and beyond.

Social Security has never missed a payment in 75 years. The 2012 Trustees Report projects that Social Security can pay all monthly benefits in full and on time (with no congressional action) through 2033. It is 100% solvent for the next 20 years and, in the highly unlikely case that Congress did not act before 2033, Social Security could still pay about three-fourths of benefits for the next 74 years. The precise year has fluctuated in virtually every Trustees Report, sometimes projecting a later date, sometimes sooner. The most recent projected date is undoubtedly a result of the economic recession our country has experienced over the last five years. As millions of workers have found themselves without jobs, Social Security has received fewer contributions. Furthermore, any fluctuation in the projected date can occur because of the uncertainties with projecting inflation, wage growth, productivity, birth rate and other factors years into the future. With minor changes, Social Security can be solvent for generations to come.

2. Social Security does not contribute to the deficit.

Social Security is financed by its own revenue stream, the payroll tax. By law, Social Security cannot add to the nation’s deficit. It should not be cut to reduce a deficit it did not cause. Social Security should be addressed sooner rather than later, but it should be done after the current deficit debate is concluded.

3. Social Security is much more than a retirement program.

It provides essential protections for people of all ages. Social Security pays more benefits to children than any other federal program. Today, nearly 7 million children receive part of their family income from Social Security. In addition, the program offers protection to almost every child in the U.S. should they lose a parent to death or disability.

4. Social Security needs to be strengthened, not cut.

Unfortunately some politicians continue to falsely claim that Social Security is going bankrupt and won’t be there for your children/grandchildren. Their motive is to frighten the public and further their political agenda. The truth is, as Social Security celebrates its 77^th anniversary this August, it remains one of the nation’s most successful, effective and popular intergenerational programs.

The best way to invest in and protect our nation’s most vulnerable citizens is to strengthen Social Security, not cut it. Social Security plays a critical role in providing economic security and indispensable protections for millions children, families, and retirees.  Benefit cuts would mean a considerable loss of economic security for children and seniors and would break the promise of Social Security for all generations.

One way is to follow Senator Harkin’s proposal contained in his Rebuild America Act: phase out the cap on Social Security taxes. Currently, individuals are taxed up to $110,100 of their annual income; they do not have to pay Social Security tax on any income they make beyond that amount. By lifting that cap, we can extend the life of the Social Security Trust Fund until 2052.

Another low-cost recommendation to strengthen the program would be to reinstate the student benefit. By reinstating the student benefit, we can help eliminate financial barriers to college for those who have lost parental support due to disability or death. At a time when our economy needs educated workers, this is a wise investment—and it would only require Congress to raise Social Security contributions by $35 per person per year. That’s a very small price to pay for enormous long-term benefits.

5. Americans would rather pay more into Social Security than see benefits cut.

According to a poll co-sponsored by the National Academy of Social Insurance and the Rockefeller Foundation, the majority of Americans are willing to pay for Social Security because they value it for themselves (72%), for their families (75%), and for the security and stability it provides retired workers, disabled individuals, and children and widowed spouses of deceased workers (87%).

We don't have to slash benefits to make Social Security financially stronger for future generations. Social Security is arguably the most successful program in our nation's history. It is not in crisis.

While we must address Social Security, we have the time to do so in a calm, bipartisan way without the hype and scare tactics. People want security. They want to know they and their families will be taken care of in the wake of disability or death. And they want to be able to retire without having to worry whether they need to choose between their health, their home, or the food they put on the table.

We have time to find a lasting solution to our current economic challenges. What we need now are thoughtful leaders who are willing to put politics aside and do what is best for the majority of Americans.

For more information on the Trustees report, check out the National Academy of Social Insurance’s Findings of the 2012 Trustees Report.

To learn more on how Social Security helps children, youth and older adults, check out the following resources or visit the Generations United website (www.gu.org):

Social Security: What’s at Stake for Children, Youth and Grandfamilies

The Lost Social Security Benefit for Students

The Benefits of Social Security for Children

The Benefits of Social Security for Grandfamilies

Our First Bookend Blog: Betty White’s Off Their Rockers

One of the joys of working at Generations United is walking our talk. Our intergenerational workforce ranges from people in their 20s (and in their teens in the summer) into their 80s. It makes for wonderful discussions and quality work that benefits from everyone’s talents and life experiences. This doesn’t mean we always agree with each other but we are respectful of each other’s opinions and strive to listen and learn. Building on our age diversity, we thought it would be interesting to begin an occasional series called the Bookend Blog.  I often refer to younger and older people as the “bookends” that hold our civil society together. The blog provides a venue for bookend members of our team to comment on current events and offer generational perspectives.

Our first bookend bloggers are Adam Hlava, our 29 year old Operations and Grants Manager, and Tom Taylor, our 85 year old Seniors4Kids Special Advisor. Last week we asked both gentlemen to watch the new Betty White “pranking youngsters” show on NBC, Off Their Rockers, and offer their perspectives. Their reactions were diverse. I hope you enjoy reading their thoughts below and please weigh in, we’d love to hear your thoughts too!

Best, Donna.

From Adam:
An elderly man walks up to a skate park, pulls out a skate board from his stereotypical sweater, and proceeds to amaze the kids around him with some incredible stunt work.

This is one of the pranks that a cast of elderly actors pull on unsuspecting young folks in NBC’s newest reality show Off Their Rockers, hosted by comedic staple Betty White. Although admittedly the show plays up quite a bit of elderly stereotypes (seniors with canes, walkers, electric scooters, etc) and exaggerates them in many cases,  the show and its cast seem bent on shattering any pre-conceived notions that the elderly are simply cranky and antagonistic towards the younger generations. The limitations of older people are exaggerated in a way that makes a mockery of these stereotypes, and humorous in a way that generations young and old can appreciate. Another example was a scene in which an older woman at an airport recounts her rather wild time in Las Vegas.  It’s funny because it goes against a pre-conceived idea that an older person would never party wildly Vegas (for added comedic effect, the woman turned out to be a nun). But this is a major theme of this show; to break down these stereotypes and laugh at them.

The jokes were well-intentioned and (for the most part) were generally pretty funny and in some cases a tad raunchy. Television today targets their programming towards specific age groups, but Off Their Rockers seems to bring a form of unity to its audience. Humor is ageless, and folks young and old can appreciate a  well-natured gag. I can imagine watching this show with my grandparents and, aside from the awkwardness derived from some of the more risqué humor, see us all laughing together.  Betty White is one of the funniest people on the planet, and she happens to be 90 years old. It was refreshing and unique to see her talents and the those of the older cast members of the show, something that folks of all ages can appreciate.

From Tom:
They sure were, "Off Their Rockers". I'm 85 and my lady friend is 82 and we watched the program together. We both feel that the program failed to do anything constructive in terms of creating better intergenerational relationships. Most of the segments were silly, pointless and had no conclusion. The young people were left guessing as to what was going on and had expressions on their faces wondering if older people really are, "off their rockers". The one great segment was the man on the skateboard. He should be in show business. A great opportunity was missed when the two young men who were watching him were not interviewed for their impressions of what this senior was able to do. The skateboarder had shown them some tricks which were a challenge to them. They may have wanted to learn more because their facial expressions showed that they respected and admired his ability. Let's not try to fool the younger generations. Instead  share our knowledge and experience and, accept and acknowledge help which younger people frequently offer.

Photo courtesy of NBCUniversal Media, LLC

April 15-21 | National Volunteer Week

Next week is National Volunteer Week, a time when we pay tribute to the millions of Americans that give back to their communities through acts of service and volunteerism.  We also take this time to celebrate and renew the spirit of service that has enriched our country for generations.

Generations United supports intergenerational service and volunteerism by promoting policies that expand the number and diversity of volunteers in quality intergenerational programs.  A wide range of policies provide opportunities for intergenerational service, including the Serve America Act and the Older Americans Act.

By engaging all generations in volunteer service, communities offer individuals opportunities to help make their cities and towns better places to live, work and thrive.  Not only does it feel good to give back, research shows there are health benefits to it too!

People of all ages can volunteer and make a difference.  Numerous tools are available online to help connect people of all ages to local service opportunities.  To find local volunteer opportunities near you, visit United We Serve. 

It’s Not a Fight, It’s a Family.

Part 2 of our response can be found here: Uniting Generations with the Facts

In the April issue of Esquire magazine, an article entitled “The War Against Youth,” by Stephen Marche emerges as the latest attempt to incite generational warfare while offering no constructive policy recommendations. As a result of the attention this piece has received, Generations United is issuing the following statement. 

Recent attempts in the media to fuel intergenerational conflict are a disservice to our country. This is particularly true in the midst of a polarizing political climate that threatens to cut critical safety net programs for children, youth, and older adults. Rather than pitting generations against one another, we should be working together to address our country’s most difficult challenges while still investing in each generation of our society. 

Marche’s article unjustly blames the baby boomer generation for our country’s problems and insinuates that generation’s callous indifference will forever stint the human potential of today’s youth. This narrow view devalues the capacity and contributions of both older and younger generations. To address the needs of our country, we must forge stronger connections among generations and engage the strengths unique at every age.

Old and young Americans form a community of interest. It’s called family. According to Pew Research Center, 76% of adults report that family is the most important element of their life. And in these family units we demonstrate how much we care about each other.

Take grandparents, for example. A survey by the MetLife Mature Market Institute found that two-thirds of grandparents provided an estimated $370 billion in financial support to grandchildren over a five-year period. This averaged out to $8,661 per grandparent household. They did this not out of duty, but out of concern and love for their young family members. Grandparents step in to provide child care, as well. According to the Census Bureau, among the 11.3 million children younger than five whose mothers are employed, 30 percent are cared for on a regular basis by a grandparent.

Too often, Social Security is referred to as a retirement program. Tell that to the nearly 7 million children and youth who today receive a critical part of their family income from Social Security.  In reality, it is a family protection program. It covers almost every child in America should they lose a parent to death or disability. Moreover, two-thirds of Americans support paying more for Social Security instead of reducing benefits.  Most importantly, Social Security is fully funded through 2036. With modest changes to strengthen the program, it can be solvent for generations to come.

Marche asserts today’s youth are on their own; he sees young people returning home as a negative. But that’s what families do: take care of their own in times of need. Today, more than 51 million—or one in six—Americans live in multigenerational households, including grandparents raising their grandchildren.

Young people are not the only ones moving in with relatives. A recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive, found that 66% of adult respondents living in a multigenerational household reported that the current economic climate was a factor in their family becoming a multigenerational household, while 21% reported that it was the only factor. Most of the respondents expressed positive feelings about their new arrangement. In fact, 82% agreed that “My family’s multigenerational household arrangement has enhanced bonds or relationships among family members.” If anything, our country is moving into a time when families are realizing once again we are interdependent and need each other. It’s not a sign of weakness but a tribute to enduring strengths of families.

A recent study by the MetLife Mature Market found that respondents—across the generations—feel a sense of strong responsibility and obligation to:

• save enough for retirement to avoid having to ask family members for assistance
• have a parent live with them if they need help due to a major health or financial issue
• make sure a spouse or child would have enough money if a financial provider dies unexpectedly
• Help to pay for a child’s college education
• Provide strong and consistent emotional and non-financial support and contact

That doesn’t sound like a country whose generations are at war with each other.  The majority of Americans care about each other. They strongly believe, as we do, that “It is not a fight, it is a family.”

Caring for and supporting people of every generation shouldn’t be an either/or proposition. We need to ensure our policies and programs benefit all Americans, whatever their age.

 

We encourage intergenerational advocates to take action on this latest attempt by some to fuel intergenerational conflict.  Here’s how you can help:

TAKE ACTION

Share our statement. 

“Like” our statement on Facebook.

Post a comment on Marche’s blog.

• “The War Against Youth” article unjustly blames the baby boomer generation for our country’s problems and insinuates that generation’s callous indifference will forever stint the human potential of today’s youth. This narrow view devalues the contributions of both older and younger generations and is an unfair accusation.
• There is not a “Young America” and an “Old America”.  Falsely separating older and younger people into age-graded silos makes each generation more vulnerable and hurts our economy.
• The  best way to put our country on a more productive path is to forge stronger connections among generations, engage the strengths unique at every age and address the needs of each.

Part 2 of our response can be found here: Uniting Generations with the Facts

Why We Need the Affordable Care Act

Last week the Supreme Court held arguments on the constitutionality of several provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). And earlier this spring, House Budget Chair Paul Ryan released a proposed budget that would repeal the ACA (See Generations United’s response to the Ryan budget). Generations United is very concerned that repealing the ACA will have a serious and detrimental impact on the long-term budget outlook for the national and undo many critical provisions that support America’s most vulnerable populations.

The Government Accountability Office recently released a report entitled “The Federal Government’s Long-Term Fiscal Outlook.” This report concluded that repealing key provisions of the ACA would contribute to a significant increase in the federal debt due to spending on Medicare and Medicaid. According to the GAO, without the ACA in place, spending on Medicare and Medicaid would grow to over eight percent of GDP by 2030.

As a result of the reforms made in the ACA, Medicare is expected to save $418 billion over 10 year. The savings will come from making Medicare more efficient by improving the way health care providers deliver care, modernizing how Medicare pays for those services, and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. The GAO report highlights the importance of not recklessly overturning the ACA, or using other means such as the Ryan budget proposal to mandate ACA repeal along with attacks Medicare and Medicaid.

Generations United strongly supports the ACA. The intergenerational provisions within the bill provide vital health care protections and services to children and older adults. However, these benefits are not yet guaranteed. Since the ACA’s provisions are phased in gradually, lawmakers must continue to fund and support the implementation of the ACA for all its provisions to take full effect.

Learn about these benefits and more in Generations United's fact sheet, Health Care Benefits for Children & Older Adults: The Affordable Care Act.

-Eric Masten and Rachel Snell

Virginia Planning District 10 | 2012 Best Intergenerational Communities

Generations United and MetLife Foundation are pleased to recognize five incredible communities with the first ever Best Intergenerational Communities Awards. These awards were created to heighten awareness of the importance intergenerational living and programs play in building strong, supportive communities.  The winning entries were selected by a blue ribbon panel of judges.

 

Virginia Planning District 10

City of Charlottesville and the five surrounding counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson

“Healthy Aging is a Lifelong Activity”

Covering the City of Charlottesville and sprawling counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson, Virginia’s Planning District 10 was, until fairly recently, as divided in its approach to serving multiple generations as in its geography. Thanks to a concerted effort by the Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA), that has changed. Today, organizations with audiences as different as the Boys and Girls Club, the Alzheimer’s Association, the YMCA, and the Local Food Hub work together to help ensure healthy aging at every stage of life in Planning District 10. The district has become a national model by embracing a philosophy of intergenerational mutual benefit.

In 2003 Planning District 10 created the 2020 Plan: Aging in Community. The plan recognized the importance of intergenerational initiatives and provided a clear blueprint the community could follow in its quest to become a truly great intergenerational place to live. The 2020 Plan caught the attention of the U.S. Administration on Aging, which presented Planning District 10 with an “Overall Excellence Award.”  From that plan, Planning District 10 partnered with Just Partners, Inc. to develop the “Viable Futures Toolkit,” which offers ideas on creating solutions for older generations that simultaneously address the needs of younger people and community livability. Thirteen states now use the toolkit.

Today, JABA’s mission is “to promote, establish and preserve sustainable communities for healthy aging that benefit individuals and families of all ages.” All eight of JABA’s community centers have active intergenerational programs and members of its two adult care centers interact on a daily basis with co-located child care centers. In addition, there are intergenerational song-writing/performance programs, tutoring opportunities, vocational education programs, nutrition initiatives, and high school student representation on JABA’s volunteer board, as well as many other intergenerational activities. Community gardens yield locally grown food that is used to feed elderly residents at the local community and senior centers.

 

For more information about Virginia Planning District 10, download America’s Best Intergenerational Communities.

San Diego County, CA | 2012 Best Intergenerational Communities

Generations United and MetLife Foundation are pleased to recognize five incredible communities with the first ever Best Intergenerational Communities Awards. These awards were created to heighten awareness of the importance intergenerational living and programs play in building strong, supportive communities.  The winning entries were selected by a blue ribbon panel of judges.

 

San Diego County, California

“Live Well, San Diego!: A Healthy Community For All Ages”

With three million residents strong, the County of San Diego believes in the need to support intergenerational connections. In 2001, it backed up that belief with serious funding by adding a full-time staff position of Intergenerational Coordinator at the county’s department of Aging & Independence Services (AIS). That investment has paid big returns: through intergenerational programs it has employed residents’ strengths to expand services and address serious challenges.

In San Diego today, all types of county services and programs have an intergenerational aspect. Libraries and Parks and Recreation offer intergenerational art, math, reading and jazz programs. Older adults take part in a Workforce Academy for Youth, mentoring foster youth for six months as they get ready to leave the foster system and join the work world. Young people have the opportunity to join the Legacy Corps Program where they serve caregivers and learn about the aging process.

This June, county agencies, non-profit organizations, for-profit agencies and faith communities will conduct a summit: Live Well, San Diego! Building a Healthy Community for All Ages. Speakers and activities will focus on how to make healthy choices and create living environments that encourage safe, active lifestyles.

San Diego’s efforts have resonated well with residents of all ages. As retired volunteer and community gardener Rich Rogers noted, community gardening “has turned into a labor of love. Gardening is as “grass roots” as you can get and teaching and mentoring kids of all ages increases my desire to be a positive influence and asset in my community.”

For more information about San Diego County, CA, download America’s Best Intergenerational Communities.

Oberlin, OH | 2012 Best Intergenerational Communities

Generations United and MetLife Foundation are pleased to recognize five incredible communities with the first ever Best Intergenerational Communities Awards. These awards were created to heighten awareness of the importance intergenerational living and programs play in building strong, supportive communities.  The winning entries were selected by a blue ribbon panel of judges.

Oberlin, Ohio

“Live, Learn, Lead”

The City of Oberlin, Ohio, with approximately 8,300 residents, has many points of pride: it has a nationally-ranked liberal arts college, a strong abolitionist history, a rich and varied cultural life, and a legacy that all individuals matter.

Oberlin’s commitment to the importance of intergenerational opportunities is evident in the city’s logo, which includes the tagline “Live. Learn. Lead.”  That tagline underscores the city’s commitment to encouraging all residents to live their lives to the fullest.

Collaboration and community service are a big part of life in Oberlin, as the City of Oberlin has built strong alliances with community organizations that ensure that Oberlin is an intergenerational community.  The local government, Oberlin College, Oberlin City Schools, Kendal at Oberlin (a retirement community), Oberlin Community Services, Oberlin Heritage Center, Mercy Allen Hospital, and many other local organizations work closely together to develop programs that support and encourage interaction among different generations. 

The Kendal Early Learning Center, located in Kendal, provides daycare in an intergenerational setting. Oberlin Elementary Schools have a Grandparent Readers Program and a Listening Post Program, providing opportunities for children in interact regularly one-on-one with older adults.

For more information about Oberlin, Ohio, download America’s Best Intergenerational Communities.

Lamoni, IA | 2012 Best Intergenerational Communities

Generations United and MetLife Foundation are pleased to recognize five incredible communities with the first ever Best Intergenerational Communities Awards. These awards were created to heighten awareness of the importance intergenerational living and programs play in building strong, supportive communities.  The winning entries were selected by a blue ribbon panel of judges.

 

 

Lamoni, Iowa

“One Generation”

The residents of Lamoni, Iowa have never let their small population (just under 2,500 people) stop them from thinking big and acting even bigger. Indeed, Lamoni serves as a great example of what a small town can do when its residents believe in themselves and their future together.

When a problem needs fixing or an issue needs attending, residents of every age are ready, willing, and able to help out.  Responsibility for intergenerational efforts does not fall to any one group in Lamoni, but is a social norm for community life. All ages work together, and every resident has a special role to play.

You might say intergenerational collaboration is part of the town’s DNA. From the time they’re very young, Lamoni children are exposed to service learning. Schools help partner young people with businesses, civic groups, social clubs, and other youth organizations to work on projects designed to better the community.

One current project, the Lamoni SAFE Coalition, was organized in 1998 to provide quiet, behind-the-scenes support for local families. Through the coalition, high school students, Graceland University students, young adults, middle-age adults, and seniors work together to identify and address local needs.

 

For more information about Lamoni, Iowa, download America’s Best Intergenerational Communities.

Georgetown, TX | 2012 Best Intergenerational Communities

Generations United and MetLife Foundation are pleased to recognize five incredible communities with the first ever Best Intergenerational Communities Awards. These awards were created to heighten awareness of the importance intergenerational living and programs play in building strong, supportive communities.  The winning entries were selected by a blue ribbon panel of judges. 

 

Georgetown, Texas 

“Growing a community where all are valued and have the opportunity to thrive.”

Georgetown, Texas is home to approximately 47,000 residents. The city is unique in a number of ways: it is the county seat of Williamson County; it is the home to Southwestern University, the oldest university in Texas; and it is the site of Sun City Texas, a retirement community whose residents make up one-third of the city’s population. But what really sets Georgetown apart is its commitment to promoting an intergenerational mindset where everyone can feel welcome and wanted.

In Georgetown, no one entity plans or oversees the city’s array of intergenerational activities or initiatives. Instead, the city government, schools, businesses, and religious and nonprofit organizations all work collaboratively to identify opportunities and strengthen existing efforts.

The city government helps sustain intergenerational efforts in a number of ways. Using an Asset Based Community Development approach, it works to build the often underused “community assets” (talents) of seniors and youth. The city is also a major contributor to the Georgetown Project, which funds social service and youth development organizations that help sustain intergenerational connections.

Senior adults (50 and older) in Georgetown can take advantage of affordable lifelong learning through the Georgetown Senior University program. Approximately 600 residents currently take classes.

Georgetown’s commitment to intergenerational understanding means a great deal to residents.

 

For more information about Georgetown, Texas, download America’s Best Intergenerational Communities.

The Hero DC Deserves

Lenny B Robinson of Baltimore County, MD is just like you or I. He has a normal day job, a loving family, and unfortunately may occasionally get pulled over while out driving. The thing is, when you or I get pulled over it doesn’t usually make headline news.

You might have already heard about Lenny last week and not even known it; Robinson was the mysterious man who lit up the national media after a run in with Montgomery county police officers in which he was stopped while driving a black Lamborghini and wearing a fully functional $5000 Batman costume.

Robinson isn’t some over-indulgent comic book fan who just wanted to show off on the road, though. He’s a 48 year old self-made businessman who spends considerable time and money every month to give back to his community. Since 2001 Maryland’s very own caped crusader had been visiting area hospitals to talk with sick children and hand out Batman toys, and speaking to students at local schools about bullying.

While spending time at a DC children’s hospital Robinson makes a deliberate effort to give his full attention to every child he meets. He offers them words of strength and the support of someone who is to them larger than life. Before he leaves at the end of the day Robinson makes sure that there weren’t any children who were unable to come out of their rooms to see him. For many of these kids who have been stuck in the hospital for weeks or months, a visit from Batman can turn another difficult day into one of hope and excitement.

It isn’t the mask that makes Robinson special; it’s the man underneath it. Anyone can go buy a costume and pretend to be a superhero, but it takes so much more to do what Robinson does.

It takes a real hero.

To read the full story on Mr. Robinson and the amazing work he does, check out this fantastic article from the Washington Post: http://ow.ly/9XN5m

Photos: Allen Goldberg

-Alex Cutler

Response to Ryan’s Budget Plan

Yesterday, Congressman Paul Ryan presented his latest “Pathway to Prosperity” budget. After examining the document, Generations United was deeply troubled by many of the proposals contained in it because they would significantly reduce funding to the critical social safety net for America’s most vulnerable children, youth and older adults. Here is our analysis of the Ryan budget.

Food and Nutrition

If enacted, Ryan’s plan would convert the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) into a block grant. In the long term, this would harm tens of millions of children, families, and older adults who rely on this critical safety net program. Hunger, food insecurity, and poverty are significant problems affecting millions of people in the U.S. and are expected to persist at high levels due to the weakened economy.

Higher Education

Additionally, the Ryan budget proposes to restructure Pell grants by “limiting the growth of financial aid and focusing it on low-income students.” Without specific language, it is hard to gauge the full impact of this proposal. When combined with additional budget cuts, this would surely limit access to this critical program that serves nearly 10 million college students.

Health Care

Proposed changes to essential health programs are even more concerning. The Ryan budget calls for repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The act provides critical health benefits to an estimated 19 million children and older adults by 2019 and includes provisions that would save $418 billion in Medicare costs over 10 years. In place of the ACA, the Ryan budget proposes that employers provide a cash supplement for their employees to purchase health care on the open market. That proposal ignores the troubling question of how our nation’s most vulnerable, including the unemployed or underemployed, will access health care.

The budget also proposes to convert Medicaid to a block grant, shifting the costs and risks to states, providers, and beneficiaries. With state budgets already overstretched, that move could jeopardize access to critical health services and put states in the difficult position of choosing between providing health care coverage for children's doctor visits or long-term care for older adults.

While ensuring existing Medicare benefits for those over 55, the Ryan budget would provide an unspecified amount of money directly to younger workers and require them to buy their own coverage in a way that may not guarantee the same coverage seniors have come to trust from Medicare. While Generations United believes the nation must address Medicare spending, this proposal sets up the potential for younger workers to not receive the care they need when they age.

Social Security

While the specifics in Ryan’s plan are unclear, we know his claims that it will “strengthen” Social Security are false. In reality, the provisions he has outlined would result in cuts for beneficiaries, many of whom increasingly rely on Social Security as a safeguard against poverty. Despite knowing first-hand the role Social Security plays in the lives of children and youth, Ryan refers to Social Security solely as a retirement security program. Social Security is more than a retirement program. Nearly seven million children receive part of their family income from Social Security today.

The Federal Budget

To balance the budget and reduce the deficit, the Ryan budget proposes measures that would dramatically slash spending and place children, youth and older adults at risk. These measures include relying on six separate committees to recommend cuts. These cuts would be directed at domestic spending including nutrition, Medicare, and Medicaid. Additionally, the Ryan budget would require caps on both discretionary and mandatory spending, beyond what was agreed to in the final budget agreement reached in fall 2011. Any increases to mandatory spending would require Congress to reduce other spending to pay for the increases and to “review mandatory spending programs” regularly. This sets up a dangerous situation where vital safety net services could be cut to pay for needed increases in mandatory spending. Generations United opposes any deficit reduction plan that puts the burden of cuts on the backs of the most vulnerable Americans. We must ensure that budget reduction is done in a responsible manner that truly reflects shared sacrifice, without disproportionately burdening the most vulnerable.

We at Generations United strongly support investing in our country’s economy and people. These investments include creating opportunities for vulnerable people to overcome hunger and poverty, extending the rights of today’s youth to continue their education through college, and for today’s older adults to receive affordable care on a fixed income. These investments are needed more than ever in today’s economy. If we fail to support them, we fail our commitment to the generations before and after us. The true path to prosperity is through strengthening our safety net and investing in our country; not by cutting critical supports to Americans in need and balancing the budget on the backs of the most vulnerable.

-Eric Masten

St. Patrick’s Day Office Contest

The Generations United staff kicked off our St. Patrick’s Day celebrating a little early this year by holding the first ever intergenerational office door decorating contest. The rules: decorate a door with a St. Patty’s Day theme. The results: four entries that brought out the creative talents of our staff! 

Can you match the Generations United staff with the correct door? Leave your guess in the comments and check back on Monday for the big reveal.

On behalf of all of us at Generations United, we wish you a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Sheri                       Anne                       Colleen                    Melissa

        

 

           Door 1                        Door 2                       Door 3                      Door 4

                                                   Bettina

Thanks to our esteemed judging panel, we can announce the results of the St. Patrick's Day door decorating contest!

Best use of nontraditional materials: Colleen (Door #2)

Best use of the color green: Melissa (Door #3)

Best use of red-headed leprechaun: Colleen (Door #2)

Best in show: Sheri (Door #4)

Best use of door bribery: Melissa (Door #3)

Best decorated desk: Bettina

Best organizer: Melissa (Door #3)

Grand prize: Anne (Door #1)

 

Thanks to all the staff that participated!

National Nutrition Month

 

Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month? This month, Generations United wanted to highlight some facts and resources for the millions of Americans struggling with hunger today.

According to AARP Foundation’s Food Insecurity among Older Adults, nearly nine million low-income seniors 50 and older are food insecure. Among that number are nearly one million grandparent caregivers, who are especially at risk of food insecurity because they have taken on the enormous responsibility of caring for their grandchildren. In addition, Share our Strength notes that more than 16 million children in America are at-risk of hunger.

A struggling economy has left many families living in poverty and having to choose between paying the mortgage and buying groceries. A number of programs and resources are available for families in need of nutritious meals.

Here’s a list of several programs that help children and older adults relieve hunger:

· Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits that eligible low-income families can use to purchase food.

· Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) pays for nutritious meals and snacks for eligible children who are enrolled at participating child care centers, family child care homes, and after-school programs, and for older adults enrolled at adult day centers.  CACFP meals give children and adults the nutrition they need as a routine part of their day care program.

· Home-Delivered Meals and Congregate Meals. These programs provide meals and other nutrition services to older individuals in a variety of settings, such as senior centers, or by home delivery for the homebound.

· Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, and referrals for health care and social services to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children (up to age five) who are at nutritional risk.

· The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost and is usually offered at local food pantries and soup kitchens.

These programs all help to give children, youth, and older adults the nutritious food they need to enrich growth and development and to maintain physical and mental health. This March, we encourage you to call your Members of Congress and ask them to make hunger a priority, because no one should go hungry.

The Story of Svante Myrick

Brian Williams started the beginning of this NBC Rock Center story as follows: “The beginning of this story sounds familiar to us all. A biracial man with an exotic name, raised by his single white mother and his maternal grandparents, who overcomes lean times in his life. He is accepted and attends an Ivy League school, later runs for public office and wins. Though this may sound like the story of President Barack Obama, it is not. This is the story of Mayor Svante Myrick of Ithaca, NY.”

Mayor Svante Myrick is 24, the youngest mayor ever in Ithaca. In an age of skepticism and doubt for all things political, how did this young man come to be mayor? The people of Ithaca will tell you it was his life story that inspired them.  From a young age, Myrick experienced homelessness and poverty living with his mother and father. During this time, his father was battling a serious drug addiction that ended up tearing the family apart. Seeing the struggles Myrick and his siblings were enduring, his maternal grandparents stepped in to help, offering them a home in upstate New York. These generous grandparents worked alongside their daughter to provide her children the comfort and security necessary for them to succeed.

Growing up in a family that was just scraping by helped shaped Myrick’s political views. He counts food stamps and school lunch programs as two critical safety net programs that helped his family during tough times. “I know personally I would not be here were it not for these programs.”  Myrick and his siblings all worked afterschool jobs to help pool money together to keep the family afloat. 

When he was in high school, Myrick’s grandmother gave him a copy of Barack Obama’s book, Dreams from my Father. Being raised under similar circumstances, he saw himself in that story. But it was someone closer by who helped him to think about his future: his high school teacher, Jonathan Sherry. That teacher saw Myrick’s potential, and pushed his young student to strive for greatness. As a result, Myrick was accepted and graduated from Cornell University. 

Today, Myrick sits in his office and faces the challenges and duties that every mayor must take on: a struggling economy, shrinking budget, and tough choices.  At a time when government programs are being drastically cut, Myrick sees value in strengthening the safety net programs that worked for him and his family.  “This is not the story of a self-made man.  This is the story of a community that conspired together to raise a child.”

For more information on Mayor Svante Myrick, check out NBC’s Rock Center profile of this inspiring story.

 

Image: Syracuse.com