On Thursday, May 2nd, over 200 guests came out to support children’s literacy in Greater Boston. The gathering force was for Generations Incorporated’s (GI) signature event, Between the Lines – which took place in Cambridge at the Microsoft N.E.R.D. Center.

The evening came at an exciting time for the organization—the launch of their new READ to Succeed initiative. This new strategic focus will shift GI’s programs to provide a strong literacy foundation for students in the earliest grades. To honor those who helped lift the organization to where it is today, the event recognized long-time board members Elizabeth Blodgett-Smith, Tim Smith, and Samantha Levine, whose individual and collective efforts made the organization and its mission stronger.

The evening was a great success, with over 95% of proceeds going directly to support GI’s early childhood literacy interventions, advancing the work of Read to Succeed.

Its success can be attributed to the exciting and unique atmosphere that marked the evening. Live jazz music played in the background while guests marveled at the original art installations on display. Childhood nostalgia emanated throughout the room, complete with appearances by The Cat in the Hat and The Very Hungry Caterpillar decorations, pinwheel centerpieces, and an eye-catching Giving Tree adding to the child-themed décor.

See the photos here!

The speakers and performers also churned up enthusiasm for supporting the organization and its notable cause. A first-grade class from the Trotter elementary school charmed the crowd by startingoff the evening’s program with two songs. Following, a powerful testimony was given by Camille and her daughter Zara on how, with the help from a GI literacy volunteer, Zara went from a withdrawn non-reader to being the top in her class.

The honorees spoke of the evolving nature of the organization and how it has always thrived through its strong leaders, like current Executive Director, Mary Gunn. Mary herself offered some impassioned words reminding everyone of the reality of the literacy crisis: “Young children from low-income communities…start their first day of school 60% behind their peers from more affluent communities…kindergarten and first grade teachers can’t bring these kids up to grade level without help.”

The compelling words, lively performances, and overall dynamic experience united supporters in making Between the Lines a memorable evening and a step forward for children’s literacy in Boston.

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There is a question that is posed to every single potential member of the organization who wishes to serve.  

This question always invokes an immediate response of thoughtful introspection and can even, for some, stir within them their deepest emotions.  No two answers are ever the same, as each one is finely and personally crafted from each person’s well of life experiences and beliefs.  This question that forms underneath the foundation for everything we do and can do is none other than, “Why do you serve?”    

In other words, where does that urge to volunteer originate?

Over the course of the past year, I have heard numerous people, volunteers themselves, that had courage enough to share their answers with me and others.  Occasionally I heard that they serve because of their historical affiliation with their community, oftentimes their home, and that they wish most to give back that which was given to them growing up. Other said they volunteer in order to establish new relationships and to further strengthen old relationships.  There are even those I have met whose rationale is far too subtle to be put into words, but are simply compelled because they feel that it is what they are supposed to do.

But for many who serve with us, the urge comes from the recognition of the dire needs of actual people that exist within their community.  They are confronted with a problem: illiteracy. They seek a solution by taking active responsibility for that problem. They allude injustice, that a fundamental service is lacking and so needed for the future success of their neighbors and their neighbors’ children.  They take it upon themselves to make the most valuable of investments, that of their own time, in order to help provide the gift of literacy to those who need it most.

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, I would like to personally acknowledge the unique caliber of these types individuals of whom I have served with and have come to know over the past year.  Though their titles and means of volunteerism may differ, they all understand how fundamental volunteering is to solving the most challenging issues facing our society. Those who, every morning, over the course of 180 days of classes, arise early and join the children of Boston and Revere for a new day of learning at school.  And also to those who continually organize, coordinate, and motivate the whole procession that is Generations Incorporated so that those who wish to help may continue to have a proper outlet to express our answer in actions to that question.

Thank you all!

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Please continue to explore!

The design is fresh and simple with advanced, interactive features. We want you to enjoy your experience on our website, and hope you leave feeling informed, excited and inspired!

Check out the ‘slider’ on the homepage where we highlight new developments, and important initiatives and events. Have a look at the fun infographics throughout the website, that explain who we serve and the impact we make.  If you want to volunteer, just go to the volunteer page and learn about ways to serve.

And when you click the purple ‘donate’ button you can learn about how your gift will be used and the different ways you can support us!

This is an exciting, transformative time for us.  The new web site coincides with our new strategic direction, called Read to Succeed.  We will provide high-impact  literacy support to kindergartners and first grade students to help build the critical foundation they need to learn to read.  Our goal is to significantly narrow or close the achievement gap in the early years, because the longer we wait to do so, the steeper the climb.

As we begin implementation of Read to Succeed, this website will keep you informed of progress we are making toward our goals.

Please check our website often.  And let us know what you think!

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It is throughout the earliest years of a child’s education that he/she gains the foundation upon which subsequent learning is built. A high-quality, full-day, everyday kindergarten program is a critical period in the education continuum, yet there is significant diversity in access to these programs within and across states. The striking variation demonstrates that at a pivotal time for cognitive and social/emotional development, children are not receiving fair and equitable early education opportunities. Yet, all children are held to the same rigorous expectations throughout their educational careers, starting in kindergarten.

Continue reading here…

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It was moving to see the honor, care and respect our volunteers had when crafting for the veterans. Every stitch took on a new meaning as they thought of the difference our crafts would make to people who had served our country. Crafting for a Cause brought out the best in our community, with so many people supporting the common goal of keeping our veterans warm. Yarn stores throughout Boston donated bags of yarn, knitting stores donated needles and hooks, craft stores donated instructions to make blankets, and our volunteers donated their time and energy. This challenge exemplified the spirit of volunteerism and the spirit of AmeriCorps.

Over the course of the winter, we received 23 hats, blankets and scarves to donate to NECHV, exceeding our goal of 20. Thank you to everyone who made this challenge a success. Keep a lookout for Crafting for a Cause next winter.

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The children read books about a number of influential African Americans and their accomplishments and with the help of their reading coach, chose someone to present about during the program. Throughout the month, the students were engrossed in learning about these notable leaders and the stories served as a perfect way for their coaches to share their own history and experiences with the children.

On the day of the program the students were excited and ready to share what they had learned. We invited members of the Blue Hill Club’s staff to attend and participate. The student’s selections were complemented by both a vocal performance and a dance routine inspired by a legendary African American dance company. Parents, students and staff all watched as each Reading Coach went up to the microphone with their student to support them as they shared their readings. The program concluded with evocative excerpts from “I Have a Dream” by Dr. Martin Luther King. I was inspired not only by the students and their willingness to learn and share, but also by the commitment and support of the Generations Incorporated team at the Blue Hill Club.

Overall, the day served as just one more reminder that my choice to dedicate this year to service was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

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Even 13 years later, she enthusiastically recounts the enriching experiences she had travelling to different areas of Boston, creating community partnerships, and seeing relationships form between children and older adults. While Tracy was deeply invested in GI’s work in the community, she wanted to find a way to use her own skills and interests to leave a lasting impact on the organization for her legacy project.  With a background in illustration and painting, she decided to use her artistic gifts to develop the logo we use today.  When asked how she thought of the concept, she replied, “Because I was doing direct work, with people in community, the image of an older adult and kid reaching out to each other was something that I was experiencing every day.”

Tracy went on to live in Boston for 10 years and now works as an art therapist and mental health counselor in Albany, NY: “My experience in AmeriCorps cemented fact that I wanted to use creativity to help other people.  Being out in communities, really getting to know where people came from gave me that perspective.” She says that much of her work since then has been informed from her insider’s knowledge of Boston neighborhoods. Having the opportunity to get out and have conversations with people from different communities, instead of relying on the news or local gossip, helped her understand socio-economic factors that played into her clients’ needs.  Tracy says that many of the teenagers she councils find themselves stuck and unsure of their next step.   When faced with this, she brings up the concept of programs like Americorps: “You’re making sure you’re not stagnant, you’re getting out there and doing something that’s real.  And throughout that process you’re figuring out what your gifts are and how you can proceed.”

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The week had many of our regularly scheduled events, including Coffee Clubs in South Boston and the South End, Book Club in Revere, and Crafternoon in Roxbury. However, the highlights of the week came from the special speaker series events and workshops designed specifically for the February Break.

On Tuesday and Thursday, Training VISTA, Mike O’Brien, and Information Systems VISTA, Lauren Zeigelman, taught a computer class that focused on how to best use the internet to enhance tutoring skills. Volunteers with beginner and intermediate level computer skills flocked to computer labs in Dorchester and Revere to practice basic computing, then learn how to navigate the Scholastic website (a website dedicated to providing mentors with literacy games, tips and tools). Volunteers learned how to use the computer as both a resource for themselves and for their students. “You’ve taught me more in the last ten minutes then I’ve learned in the last two years,” one volunteer excitedly told Lauren and Mike.

The Active Aging Program offered two Speaker Series events during February Break, one in Boston and one in Revere. Ceile Clemente, the Money Management Program Director at Chelsea Revere Winthrop Elder Services, came to Revere on Tuesday afternoon to speak about financial literacy to 16 volunteers and residents of the Jack Satter House. Ceile spoke about the Money Management program, which is part of a statewide effort to assist older adults or disabled people who are at risk of losing their independence because they are unable to pay their rent, food and utility bills on time. The program is staffed by volunteers that help create budgets, organize mail and balance checkbooks for clients.

While volunteers in Revere learned about money management, volunteers in Boston had the opportunity to take a free yoga class. Ed Baszkiewicz, a volunteer from the South Boston Boys and Girls Club and a certified yoga instructor, came to the downtown office to teach his fellow volunteers and Program Associates Hatha Yoga. Ed started out the session by talking about the health and spiritual benefits of yoga, then had the class spread out on towels and yoga mats to begin exercising. Ed talked volunteers through various stretches, breathing exercises and meditation over the course of an hour. Although some exercises were more difficult than others, Ed helped everyone listen to their body’s limits and adapted the stretches to fit all abilities.

The participants raved about the program, and many expressed interest in having more yoga sessions in the future.

We want to thank the 63 participants who attended 10 events over February Break. We had a wonderful time knitting, learning and exercising with you. We hope to see you again when we have more events over April Break!

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What was especially incredible about this event was when one of our Experience Corps volunteer members, Lynette Tyler-Sumpter, introduced Officer Baxter. She discussed how she was a mentor to him all throughout his training, and continued to be a part of his life.

During Officer Baxter’s presentation, two young boys entered the room. Both of these boys are brothers and receive tutoring in our program. As they walked in, Ms. Lynette took them into her arms, and said, “These boys hold a special place in my heart. I feel what they are going through, and see so much potential in them.” Seeing that moment, and knowing that she is a mentor to not just those boys, but to Officer Baxter as well, is incredible to be a part of. It completely embodied what it is to serve with AmeriCorps, and be a mentor to the children throughout our year of service.

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