March - May 2024 Volume 31 Number 1
COMPLIMENTARY us on Facebook for GIFT nonprofit bridges gap, creates Like more news and upat facebook.com/ lasting impact between older adults dates PittsburghSeniorNews. and university students
gifts of useful items such as blankets, thermal socks, back scratchers, sturdy shopping bags and adult coloring books.
GIFT Intergenerational Director Musya Presman [top] with Senior2Senior participants at Riverview Towers.
By Gina Mazza Their name says it all: Giving it Forward Together (GIFT) was founded in 2015 with the goal of fostering intergenerational volunteerism and connection that bridges the gap among older adults, university students, and the wider Pittsburgh community. They accomplish this through programs and events that enhance both students’ educational experiences and the wellbeing of seniors—thereby fostering empathy, a sense of purpose and better quality of life for all. GIFT impacts nearly 1,065 seniors and 765 youth annually.
“I’m proud of what GIFT h as b e e n a b l e t o d o through the lives we have touched and people we have served,” comments Founder and Executive Director Rochel Tombosky. “GIFT is completely grassroots, with 95 percent of all donations literally going right back into our programs.” Especially popular and welcomed is their annual Holiday Kit program, which caters to homebound seniors during the Thanksgiving, Passover and winter holiday season. Seniors and university students come together at various locations around town to assemble kits that include a nutritious catered meal along with simple
“There is no economic status that you need to have to be a recipient,” Rochel explains. “It’s just a feelgood, wellbeing gift that many individuals don’t even know they need in their lives. We’ve found that for many, it’s not just a lifeline to combat food insecurity, it’s also joy line for those who are feeling lonely and isolated. When a Holiday Kit is delivered to their homes, they feel like the community has recognized them and it positively affects their mental health and wellbeing.” GIFT’s ongoing Senior2Senior (S2S) program also pairs seniors and students from CCAC, University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University and Chatham University, who meet weekly at four locations around the Pittsburgh area for 60-minute sessions over the eight-month school year. (Check website at end of article for a schedule and locations.) Together, they work on simple tasks that support specifically designated local nonprofits, such as organizing first aid kits or assembling snacks from food banks for community programs.
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Allegheny County 2024
Senior Resource Guide
In cooperation with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging
For caregivers. For professionals. For you.
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