VERIZON FOUNDATION FUNDS NEW WEBSITE TO UNITE THE GENERATIONS

“The Verizon Foundation is pleased to support this very important initiative that uses technology to leverage the resources we have in our younger and older generations and tackle the issues impacting them.” said Verizon Foundation President Patrick Gaston. “We applaud Generations United for its leadership in building awareness about intergenerational resources and value.”

GU’s i-PATH makes use of the latest technology available including real time video conferencing, an online library, events calendar, and technical assistance tools. The web site also provides the intergenerational community with instant access to user-friendly information, including a searchable online program directory that provides in-depth profiles of hundreds of intergenerational programs.

“This is really about creating community” said Donna M. Butts, Executive Director of Generations United. “The GU i-PATH will significantly increase the support available to programs throughout the country that work to unite people of all ages.”

GU’s i-PATH will connect and grow the intergenerational field by encouraging nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individuals to infuse intergenerational ideas and practices into their communities or work place. Organizations are invited to submit information about their intergenerational programs to the GU i-PATH at www.gu.org.

The Verizon Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications. In 2004, the foundation awarded more than 26,500 grants totaling $71.4 million to charitable and nonprofit agencies that focus on improving basic literacy, advancing e-learning, and creating a skilled work force. The foundation uses its technology network and the power of its people in the United States and abroad to develop partnerships that assist organizations serving the needs of diverse communities - victims of domestic violence, people with disabilities, and the economically and socially disadvantaged. http://foundation.verizon.com

Generations United is the only national membership organization focused solely on
improving the lives of children, youth, and older people through intergenerational strategies, programs, and public policies. GU represents more than 100 national, state, and local organizations and individuals representing more than 70 million Americans. Since 1986, GU has served as a resource for educating policymakers and the public about the economic, social, and personal imperatives of intergenerational cooperation. GU acts as a catalyst for stimulating collaboration between aging, children, and youth organizations providing a forum to explore areas of common ground while celebrating the richness of each generation. www.gu.org.