A letter from our President
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Interages will celebrate twenty-five years of service as the leader in intergenerational programming in Montgomery County, Maryland. Interages is a non-profit organization that serves the needs of a growing aging population and diverse student body. In FY 2010, 217 older adult volunteers donated thousands of hours, equivalent to $132,000 of in-kind support. These programs assisted 428 students with literacy, cultural adjustment, self-confidence and critical thinking – all skills necessary for social and academic success. They also serve a valuable role in providing meaningful volunteer opportunities for older adults who benefit from sharing their knowledge and experience with others in their community. Also, 321 students of all ages participated in interactive activities with 206 frail and elderly adults living in assisted care facilities.
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As impressive as these statistics are, it is the individual success stories that help us appreciate the impact that a few hours of attention each week by Interages volunteers can have on those receiving it. Here is just one example from one of our mentors:
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| Click me to help SAVE the Turtles |
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I can relate to the story because I have been an Interages Intergenerational Bridges volunteer for seven years. I have seen with my own eyes the impact that this program has had on students who are recent immigrants in the County’s schools. These children obtain knowledge of U.S. history and customs, improve their reading skills, and get a boost of confidence from the regular and individual attention of a caring adult.
This annual Board Appeal is the principal way that individuals like you who value the work of Interages can support its efforts. Interages recruits, trains and manages volunteers, develops and evaluates programs, and provides liaison with MCPS teachers and administration. We cannot continue to do this without your support, which, with a local economy that at best is just beginning to turn around, is needed more than ever. I urge you to make a contribution through our website.
Sincerely,
James McMann
President, Interages Board of Directors
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