Youth Connections- Hand in Hand with Seniors

Youth Connections- Hand -in Hand with Seniors

A Unique Event Celebrating the

Special Relationships of Youth with the

Trusted Older Adults in their Lives

FREE TRANSPORTATION TO EVENT PROVIDED BY CATA

Youth Connections- Hand -in Hand with Seniors on Tuesday, November 16^th at Rose Baker Senior Center from 3:00 PM- 4:30PM celebrates the unique value of intergenerational connections. Sponsored by the Council on Aging, TRIAD and the Healthy Gloucester Collaborative, youth are encouraged to invite a special older adult or adults in their lives and seniors are encouraged to invite the youth special to them.

The gathering will be a lively mix of music, food, teen-senior collaborative activities and features a presentation by  Joanne Peterson, the founder of Learn to Cope. Ms. Peterson will discuss Talk with Your Teen: It’s Never Too Soon. Ms. Peterson speaks to young people and adults throughout the country on the importance of adults talking to young people early and often to lessen the chance of youth making unhealthy life decisions.

Peter Jenner of TRIAD, an organization dedicated to improving senior safety, points out “I plan to bring three of my grandchildren. We are all looking forward to the event. Senior citizens and youth have a special communication bond that is different from parents and youth.” According to Gloucester’s Director of Substance Abuse Prevention Joan Whitney, “The healthy development of young people is nurtured by the support of many trusted adults in their lives. The special connections of young people and trusted older adults – be they grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, those who weave stories of life experiences that hold a young person’s attention or simply take the time to talk with a young person—all strengthens youth and ultimately strengthens the community as a whole. On November 16^th we hope to celebrate the unique value of these relationships.”

Youth Connections-Hand -in Hand with Seniors is Tuesday, November 16^th from 3:00 pm-4:30pm at Rose Baker Senior Center. CATA has offered free transportation on their regular bus routes for attendees. For more information about the event, call Healthy Gloucester Collaborative at 866-964-4603.