Generations United

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A Message from Donna M. Butts, Executive Director, Generations United

As the impact of Hurricane Katrina is still being determined, our hearts and prayers go out to those whose lives have been changed forever. In particular we have deep concern for grandfamilies--those that existed before the devastation and those that were created because of it. Grandparents and other relatives raising children need our support now more than ever. We are hearing about families who evacuated to other states only to find the access they had to benefits for their children not binding in their new location. One grandfather responsible for six grandchildren was given $25 and told to go away when he sought support in another state. This is just the beginning.

We will be accepting funds to pass through to the key statewide agencies we work with
in the states affected the most severely.

In addition we will accept funds to increase our work educating policy makers, government officials, NGOs and others about the unique needs of these families. You can learn more about these efforts and contribute by going to our website www.gu.org. We hope you share our concern and will consider a generous contribution to support families who seldom ask for outside assistance.

As we’ve watched this disaster unfold, we’re reminded of the very heart of intergenerational efforts--connection. In times like these, younger people turn to older adults for assurance that life goes on. Older look to young for the calm that comes from knowing there is a future. You don’t have to be a blood relative to care when and where you can.

Consider one of the following:

Convene an intergenerational team to organize a fund raiser and designate a relief agency with a proven track record as the beneficiary. Discuss past crises and how individuals, families and communities reacted and survived.
Create an intergenerational neighborhood watch program that begins by assisting each resident in creating an emergency preparedness plan.
Host an intergenerational dialogue to discuss Katrina’s impact and how your community can be better prepared should you face a natural or man-made disaster.
Reach out and create an intergenerational environmental awareness partnership to study what may have changed in the geographic areas effected by the hurricane and what your town or city can do to maintain a healthy environment for young and old.

Robert Frost once said, “The only thing I’ve learned from life is that it goes on.” Let’s commit to more than that. Let’s build on the foundation we’ve been given and remember the heart of the intergenerational field. Connect with other people. Only by doing this can we really begin to build a world that values all generations.

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