Meet a Commit to Connect Champion: Beryl Katz
In this short interview, learn more about @Beryl Katz and the work of her organization, Senior Adults for Greater Education.
Tell us a little about the work that your organization does. What is the mission of the organization? What population does your organization serve?
The mission of Senior Adults for Greater Education (S.A.G.E) is to connect senior volunteers with K-12 schools to support teachers, enrich education and support intergenerational relationships. S.A.G.E. matches community members, age 55 and better, with fulfilling volunteer opportunities within their local school district.
Are you involved with a program, service or support related to social engagement? Please describe it! What are the goals of this program/intervention?
All our programs revolve around ensuring that our volunteers are interacting with their partner teachers as well as the students they tutor and mentor. Our volunteers are invited to school functions such as plays, athletic events and concerts so that they feel a part of the school and community where they are volunteering, helping to reduce social isolation for our volunteers. During COVID we held trainings via Zoom which helped maintain a sense of community and belonging. Some of our volunteers did volunteer virtually through Google Classroom and enjoyed that their volunteer experience was not interrupted.
Share one of your top achievements or a success story.
In the 25 years we have been serving seniors, schools, students and communities there have been numerous success stories! One which immediately comes to mind is one of our original volunteers (with us 24 years, now 92 years young) lost his wife of 65 years. While he was grieving, he never took a leave of absence from his Wednesday volunteering. Harry takes great pride in watching students who need his help graduate into NOT needing his help. Little did he know that while mentoring students, he was going to be a mentor to his teacher partner as well. Unfortunately, she lost her husband at a young age quite suddenly. Harry mentored her through the grieving process and showed her how to be resilient and still find joy.
Another point of pride is our retention rate. Our volunteers are so engrossed with their volunteering that not only do they tell their friends, but they return year after year with the same teacher partner. Our retention rate is 95%.
Why is promoting social connectedness important to the community/population you serve? Why and when did you start incorporating social connectedness into your programming?
S.A.G.E. began in 1998 with the idea that everyone has something to offer. We began with the belief that the education of our students is a community project. “It takes a village” sounds trite after hearing it for so long—but the wisdom of the statement is true! We were promoting social connectedness even before it had a name!
Those who no longer have students in the school district wanted to learn where their tax dollars were going and how education had changed over the years. When we asked for their help to lower the ratio of caring adult: student in the classroom they came. All volunteers are vetted with clearances and an interview, and all our volunteers receive training. Our volunteers come through their S.A.G.E. experience with an appreciation of the hard work and dedication of the teachers, and a pride that they now have a small part in the success of the students.
Any exciting projects/news coming up?
There are always exciting projects with S.A.G.E. We will be expanding our program to serve more seniors, more students, more staff and more communities in the near future!
Do you have tips for others looking to increase the social connection and engagement programming or a key resource you would share?
We believe that being connected to others improves the wellbeing of all. Every community has seniors who need more engagement, socialization and which have the expertise they can use to give back to their communities. Likewise, every community has school-aged children who need greater support and more engagement with older adults. Being connected and interacting with the other generations reduces stereotypes.
Do you have any recommended reading for others interested in this topic?
These two articles include great information:
-Intergenerational Programmes bringing together community dwelling non-familial older adults and children: A Systematic Review
-Hidden in Plain Sight: How Intergenerational Relationships Can Transform Our Future
How can others connect with your work? Do you have a project website?
Our website is www.beasage.org. My email is beryl@beasage.org. You can also connect me with through the Commit to Connect hub! We are always happy to explore partnerships with other organizations which share our goals and values.