New York, New York (PRWEB) November 06, 2017 -- DOROT’s Youth Volunteer program is proud to be renewed a second time as a Generations United Program of Distinction. This designation recognizes DOROT’s continued efforts to create meaningful, sustainable, and high-impact intergenerational programming. The Program of Distinction seal marks DOROT as one of the most effective, innovative, and engaging intergenerational organizations in the U.S.
Youth volunteers are critical in working towards DOROT’s mission of bridging the generational gap and alleviating social isolation for New York City seniors. Youth volunteerism at DOROT offers opportunities for teens to learn from another generation, engage with present-day issues, and develop their own leadership skills.
Most notably, DOROT offers four robust teen internships. Three take place over the summer, in both Manhattan and Riverdale, and one runs in Manhattan through the school year. DOROT’s teen internship programs bring youth and older adults together through home visits, technology lessons, teleconference classes, and outings, to name a few examples. Interns learn about the challenges of aging through workshops and field–based experiences. As they provide services and build relationships with older adults, they help alleviate loneliness and isolation. “I grew so much as a person; signing up for this was one of the best decisions I ever made. I learned so much through the seniors, interns, and supervisors,” shared one teen about the 2017 summer internship.
A hallmark of DOROT’s Youth Volunteer program is Intergenerational Chess. The program was launched in Manhattan in 2014, and expanded to Westchester in the fall of 2016. The beloved program brings seniors and teens together over chessboards for weekly games. Intergenerational Chess provides an intense brain workout, as well as the opportunity to cultivate meaningful intergenerational relationships.
Recently, DOROT was honored with the prestigious Eisner Prize for Intergenerational Excellence, recognizing DOROT as a pioneer in uniting the generations and making communities better places to live. Michael Eisner, founder of The Eisner Foundation, shared: “DOROT’s intergenerational programs designed to alleviate social isolation in older adults are compassionate and commendable and so worthy of national recognition.” The Eisner Foundation is a Generations United Partner.
Said Judith Turner, Senior Program Officer for Volunteer Services and Intergenerational Programs, “We are honored to be a Program of Distinction. DOROT highly values our partnership with Generations United and looks forward to new adventures together.” To find more information about DOROT’s Youth Volunteer program, please visit our website.
About the Generations United Programs of Distinction
Generations United annually recognizes outstanding intergenerational programs with the Program of Distinction designation. This designation, developed and launched in 2010 with support from the New York Life Foundation, serves as the U.S. benchmark for intergenerational programs and is based on the criteria that underpin the effectiveness of any intergenerational program. The intention of the designation is to recognize excellence while celebrating the rich diversity among intergenerational programs, where people of all ages share their talents and resources, supporting each other in relationships that benefit both the individuals and the community. The designation is active for three years.
About DOROT
DOROT is a social service agency dedicated to alleviating social isolation among older adults by providing services to help them live independently as valued members of the community. For more than four decades, DOROT has been an innovative leader in the fields of aging services and volunteerism.
Intergenerational Chess at DOROT is sponsored by the Targoff Family and Friends, and UJA-Federation of New York/Westchester Program Services Cabinet. DOROT’s Summer Teen Internship Program is jointly funded by UJA-Federation of New York and the Jim Joseph Foundation. The Jewish Education Project serves as lead operator of the Initiative. We are also grateful for the Posner-Wallace Foundation’s support.
Shira Goldmann, DOROT, http://www.dorotusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=homepage_DOROT, +1 (917) 441-3720, [email protected]
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