www.generationsinc.org Uniting older adults and youth to strengthen individuals and communities.
Mar 26, 2016
National Challenges, at Both Ends of the Age Spectrum
• Today’s growing population of OLDER ADULTS is an American asset, but an underutilized resource, with many at risk of social isolation.
• Today’s low-income elementary school CHILDREN are not receiving the individualized literacy instruction they need to succeed.
A DUAL NEED:
Our Unique Solution: Generations, incorporated to help each other
• 300+ older adult volunteer “members”, tutoring 2,100 children each year in grades 1-4 struggling with reading
• Greater Boston affiliate of Experience Corps, a renowned, evidence-based service program with 22 locations nationwide
Our Model Works for Members: Results from a Washington University Study
• Improved mental health:» Statistically significant decreases in depressive symptoms» 96% reported feeling better about themselves» 86% reported their lives improved» 84% reported their circle of friends increased
• Improved physical health:» Statistically significant decreases in functional
limitations» Lower self-rated health declines than
comparison groups
Our Model Works for Students and Schools: Results from a Washington University Study
• Students displayed 60% more progress in sounding out new words and reading comprehension than students in control groups
• Students received a boost in reading skills equivalent to being assigned to a classroom with 40 percent fewer children.
“We are truly grateful to the 300+ volunteers who weekly give of their time and energy to encourage and inspire the hearts and minds ofour students!”
- Dr. Carol Johnson, Superintendent, Boston Public Schools
Growing What Works: Leveraging Our Knowledge and Assets to Increase our Impact
•Prior Growth Experience: 2001-2008
•Fiscally Responsible Management: 2009-2010
•Future Growth Plans: 2011-2012
Prior Growth Experience: 2001-2008
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Prior Growth Experience: 2001-2008
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Fiscally Responsible Management: 2009-2010
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Future Growth Plans: 2011-2012
Funding Need: $1.5 million over two years
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Ways to Invest
• Financial» $25,000 – Recruit, train, & deploy 5 teams of 15 members
» $5,000 – To recruit, train, & deploy 1 team of members
» $1,000 – Curricular materials for 1 team of members
• In –Kind» Volunteer membership – join us in service!
» Public relations and marketing services
» Catering & space for training and member recognition events
• Financial» $25,000 – Recruit, train, & deploy 5 teams of 15 members
» $5,000 – To recruit, train, & deploy 1 team of members
» $1,000 – Curricular materials for 1 team of members
• In –Kind» Volunteer membership – join us in service!
» Public relations and marketing services
» Catering & space for training and member recognition events
Photo credit: Harris
Mary Gunn, Executive DirectorMary Gunn, Executive Directormgunn@[email protected](617) 423(617) 423--58655865
Older Adults Want and Need Meaningful Service Opportunities
•The U.S. older adult population is projected to grow to more than 71.4 million (30% of the population) by 20301
•A majority of older adults are seeking opportunities for meaningful service2
•A majority of older adults need meaningful connection and are at a greater risk of social isolation3
Why Do Greater Boston Urban Schools Need Generations Incorporated?
• Higher percentage of students per classroom struggling with literacy» Less time spent reading at home
• Many single-parent homes• Many parents are minimum-wage shift workers with limited time and
skills» High percentage of English Language Learners (~30% more)
• Many already struggle with reading in their native language
• Fewer school resources» Teachers cannot work with students one-on-one
76% of Newton third graders are proficient or advanced readers
"Failing"
"Needs Improvement"
"Proficient"
“Advanced”
4%
20%
49%
27%
Distribution of Newton 3rdth Graders by MCAS results*
* 2009 MA DOE
"Failing"
"Needs Improvement"
"Proficient"
“Advanced”
24%
46%
27%
4%
In direct contrast, 70% of Boston public school third graders struggle with literacy
Distribution of Boston 3rdth Graders by MCAS results*
* 2009 MA DOE; Sums to 101% due to rounding error
Members and Students Served
103175
292
667
1,512
2,000
2,290
2,668
2,094 2,155
2,939
3,705
30 42113
190
305 305319
356328
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400
500
600
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1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
4,000
Tota
l Mem
bers
Tota
l Stu
dent
s
Member Outcomes
4
4.5
5
5.5
6
6.5
7
Pre-Service Post-Service
Self-
Rep
orte
d D
epre
ssio
n Sc
ore
Depression
EC Volunteers
Control Group
1.5
2
2.5
3
Pre-Service Post-ServiceSelf-
repo
rted
Phy
sica
l Fun
ctio
n Sc
ore
Functional Limitations
EC Volunteers
Control Group
Student Outcomes
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
Pre-Intervention Post-InterventionW
J-PC
Sub
-test
Sco
re*
Passage Comprehension
EC Students
Control Group
*Woodcock Johnson III Tests of Achievement
2.35
2.5
2.65
2.8
Pre-Intervention Post-Intervention
Teac
her's
Ass
essm
ent o
f St
uden
t Rea
ding
Abi
lity
Grade-Specific Reading Skills
EC Students
Control Group
Projected 2011-2012 Expense Mix
Staffing28%
Member Stipends
61%
Administrative and Overhead
Expenses7%
Fundraising Expenses
2%
Program Supplies and
Expenses2%
Per Site Cost Details
Volunteer Recruiting &
Training10%
Volunteer Support &
Recognition47%
Supplies / Books
2%
Site Staff41%
Expense Mix per Site(avg ~$86k per year)