Literations is an organization dedicated to improving children’s reading fluency and comprehension through twice weekly one to one sessions with older adults. Observing the relationships that are formed between the students their literacy coaches has been an enlightening and gratifying experience. These partnerships are beneficial to the well being of all involved.
Literations has provided me with an opportunity to help students with crucial literacy skills. It is an organization with a positive, "can do" mission that provides ongoing training and support for its volunteers. As a member of Literations, I feel I am making a real difference.
I began in the classroom and migrated to the organization's front office. In doing so I truly believe that I found my niche. I see and now understand the ENTIRE mission of Generations Incorporated! The day to day operations plus interactions with staff and volunteers is sooooooooo rewarding. So blessed to be a part of this family...
Previous Stories
I began my volunteering with classroom literacy and it took me back to my days of Early Childhood Education teaching. I then took a detour from the classroom to the inner office of Generations Incorporated and have found my niche...I am so so so happy and impressed with the day to day operations of the business as well as assisting our many volunteers in the field. Our volunteers do such an awesome job and I so look forward to chatting with and seeing them upon their occasional office call and or visit. I hear about the daily encounters with the children and am a witness to the data collection[s] and I can honestly tell you that what Generations Incorporated, our volunteers and office staff do on a daily basis is working in the lives of numerous children and the adult volunteers as well. I believe that Generations Incorporated's success rate is related to the strong support system for all involved.
I am a recent retiree (2015) who was looking for a rewarding experience outside of the regular 9 to 5 at an office. I found it when I looked into literacy volunteering with Generations Inc. I have been volunteering since the beginning of the school year at the P.A. Shaw Elementary school in Dorchester, MA. Because I am not a parent, I was a little apprehensive at first as to how I would interact with children on a regular basis. I am currently tutoring and mentoring a class of first graders. It has been the most rewarding experience of my life. Seeing the improvement in their reading skills over time is remarkable and getting occasional hugs from them is the icing on the cake.
An absolutely amazing organization and group of people. They all possess a passionate dedication to literacy!
I've always believed reading is the key to success in life. It has been so rewarding to work with young people. Generations, Inc. provides excellent training, and I learn so much from the children and their teachers. I'm in a new school this year, but it turns out that some of my former students are there now too. I love walking down the hall and hearing them call out "Hi,
Ms. Carol."
I joined as a Generations Inc. volunteer in the literacy program a few years ago and it made a wonderful difference in my life. I have found that we can make a difference in a child's life which could greatly impact in their future, but the impact on our lives is also greatly beneficial. We all have issues in our lives which can cause sadness, and even in some cases, depression. When we come into the school and see the smiling faces of the students who show great appreciation to us for just being there to help them, makes us forget our troubles. I am now a Site Team Leader at a low income and diversified school with a enormous need for help with literacy. The volunteers that I have are so happy to be there. One of my volunteers recently said, "My daughter said that she wished that you got me involved in this years ago, because she hasn't seen me so smile so much since her father died." So this program is a very positive experience for the children as well as the seniors.
In 2014/2015 I was a tutor at the Whelan School in Revere and very much enjoyed working with the children in kindergarden. In 2015/16 I was a tutor and Assistant Site Team Leader and also enjoyed working with the children in first grade and helping the tutors with the online trackers. In 2016/17 I am the Site Team Leader at the Hill School in Revere. Being a tutor first really made me appreciate the work the tutors do. As the Site Team Leader, I am helping to keep the program running at the Hill School. It is a very rewarding position. I am living a more satisfying life by being involved in the Generations Program. I feel needed and involved with other seniors in my community. Whenever I need help there is always someone to help with any of my questions. It is a wonderful program!!
They call me Josie. This is my third year as Site Team Leader at my school. In this position, I am able to utilize my skill set. With my Extraordinary Volunteers, we bring wisdom, life experience and education achievements of our own. We strive daily and are committed to bringing the children to benchmarks in literacy. We also bring empathy because we know the many problems and challenges the children present. It is my pleasure to serve Generations, Inc.
The success of Generations Incorporated's program is rooted in three principles -- the power of intergenerational mentorship, the importance of high-quality literacy tutoring, and the capabilities of older adults as leaders in their communities. What an amazing organization!
The work done by the staff and volunteers of Generations, Incorporated of Boston, MA is an invaluable service to children in need of support in literacy skills. I am beginning my sixth year volunteering in a public school in Boston. It is very exciting and rewarding to see the progress made by the first grade students as we progress though the school year. I am impressed by the growth in skills and self-confidence in the children. I am grateful for this opportunity to share in the academic growth of these enthusiastic learners.
Valuable mission to build bridges between generations, from older people who volunteer to the children they serve, and the energetic, idealistic young adults who organize all this. Exec Director Mary Gunn is a gem who leads them all with passion and integrity.
Amazing work bringing older adults and kids in need of 1 to 1 reading tutors together. The results speak for themselves
Generations is an outstanding organization I am proud to be part of. This upcoming school year will be my 3rd as a reading coach working one-on-one with 1st and 2nd graders who are not reading at their grade level.
Generations provides us volunteers with a structured curriculum to guide us through each session with our students. The student is allowed to choose one book from three that I pre-select, appropriate for their interests and level.
It's unfortunate that we cannot accommodate all of the students who would benefit from the program but it's fortunate that we can help those who have the most need.
I look forward to meeting my new students in the fall and can't imagine myself not participating in this
very important work.
Without Generations these kids would be doomed to fail, as reading is the essence of learning.
With Generations, reading skills improve, confidence and self esteem are elevated, and the kids discover that reading is fun. It's not only rewarding for me to help make a difference in a child's education but it's also exciting to watch the progress they make. When they proudly say, "I read that all by myself" it makes me smile.
The service the organization and it's dedicated volunteers provides is invaluable!
Regards,
Ms. Karen J.
Review from Guidestar
Hello,
Generations, Inc. has been a wonderful place to volunteer over the last seven years. I have worked with many different children, mostly first and second graders, some kindergarten and have enjoyed all of them.
I have been placed in mostly public school but also Boys and Girls Clubs tutoring, mentoring and doing classroom literacy, working with teachers.
This volunteer service has also enabled me to meet many other wonderful volunteers that I would probably never had met otherwise. Having many new friends, both children and adults,, keeps my life active and exciting.
Generations also provides other activities for its' volunteers such as exercise groups, computers, crafternoons and monthy coffee clubs so there is always something to look forward to, even in the summer. I'm looking forward to serving another year in September and anticipating new friendships as well as seeing how "my children" are progressing. Please come join us!
Review from Guidestar