In his State of the Union Address Tuesday evening, President Obama focused on the real issues that affect Americans today and how we need to protect and support our neighbors of every age. We applaud the President for his emphasis on building intergenerational bonds and embracing this nation's diversity. We were particularly struck by his closing statement: "We are citizens. It's a word that doesn't just describe our nationality or legal status....It captures the enduring idea that this country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another and to future generations; that our rights are wrapped up in the rights of others..."

Tomorrow, read our response to the President's address on our Together Blog.

In a new blog on HuffingtonPost, Executive Director Donna Butts calls on Congress to reinstate the Social Security student benefit. Read "We Know You Hear Us, But Are You Really Listening to Us on Social Security?" 

Every year, lower and moderate income working Americans lose out on hundreds -- even thousands -- of dollars by failing to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). EITC is a refundable federal income tax credit that can be a real economic help for college students, young adults and grandfamilies.

Empower your clients to determine their eligibility by introducing them to the EITC Finder, a handy app for smart phones and other mobile devices developed by the Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation.

Using the EITC Finder is easy. Your client answers a few simple questions so the app can determine eligibility and estimate the amount of tax credit refund from both the state and federal governments. In addition, your client can use the app to find out how to claim this important tax credit and how to prepare and file their tax return for FREE using one of the products offered through IRS Free File. Learn more.

Generations United is pleased to welcome Diane Rolfsmeyer to the Senior4Kids team. Diane joined the initiative in January as the state coordinator for the Nebraska Grandparent Roundtable (the name of Seniors4Kids expansion to Nebraska). Previously, Diane served as executive director for Seniors Foundation in Lincoln. During that time, she successfully wrote the winning proposal to develop the 58-acre Veterans Affairs clinic site there. Today, a cross-generational collaboration at the site delivers services and educational opportunities to older adults, veterans and area students. Diane also served as development officer for a youth treatment facility in Nebraska and as a foster parent of troubled youth. She and her husband are bi-coastal grandparents of 11 grandchildren and enjoy regular interaction with them. Email Diane to learn more about how you can become involved with the Nebraska Grandparent Roundtable.  

Please join us in applauding the recipients of the 2013 MetLife Foundation/Generations United Best Intergenerational Communities Award: Dunedin, Fla; Montgomery County, Md.; Itta Bena, Miss.; and Westchester County, NY. In addition, kudos go to the 2013 National Finalists: Chanute, Kan. and Proctor, Minn. Stay tuned to learn more about each community and our upcoming event to celebrate their achievements.  

Do you believe your intergenerational program is innovative and effective in addressing a need in your community? Apply by May 1 for a Program of Distinction designation. Learn more.

Two Generations United member organizations are seeking candidates for summer internships.

 

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Inc. (located in Maryland) has openings for two paid summer internships that could lead to employment. Interns will be expected to analyze and synthesize information and create reports for review and decision making at the Foundation. Interested? Send a cover letter and resume to  gradinternship@hjweinberg.org by Feb. 28, 2013 to be considered for an interview in April 2013. Please put "Internship Opportunity" in the subject line of the email.

 

DOROT (located in New York City) offers two types of volunteer (unpaid) summer internships.

 

The Summer Teen Internship provides opportunities for teens to volunteer with high school students from around NYC to visit with home-bound elderly, learn about aging, and have a meaningful and fun summer. Interested teens can contact Anna at aresnick@dorotusa.org. Learn more. 

 

The Summer College Internship gives college students outstanding opportunities to address the complex issues of aging and non-profit management, and provides broad experience in all aspects of DOROT's operations. Learn more.

JCA Heyman Interages Center  

Capital Grants. The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation is offering capital grants for qualified organizations that provide services in: Older Adults; Workforce Development; Basic Human Needs and Health; Disabilities, Education, Children, Youth and Families; and General Community Support. Letters of Intent received on a rolling basis. Learn more.