Sacramento Youth Prepare to Reach Across the Generational Divide to Make a Difference in the Lives of their Elderly Neighbors

Sacramento, California, October 12, 2006 -- Sacramento teens are preparing to create a special evening of memories for their elderly neighbors during a special event called, An Evening of Elegance. The event was created to address an issue often overlooked: the need for seniors to engage in healthy forms of social interaction. The event will allow seniors to catch up with old friends; meet other members of their community; and interact with youth who wish to make a difference in their lives.

The event will be a collaborative effort between youth participating in two programs administered by the Sacramento Department of Parks and Recreation—the Workforce Investment Act Youth Program (WIAYP), and the Caring Neighborhoods Program; and two outside entities—the Charles A. Jones Skills Center, and the Florin Road Partnership.

WIAYP’s mission is to provide youth an opportunity to gain work experience, acquire leadership skills, and learn valuable lessons while participating in activities that benefit the community. In support of this mission, WIA youth decided to organize a yearly event for neighborhood seniors in collaboration with the Caring Neighborhoods Program.

The Caring Neighborhoods Program is a neighborhood-based volunteer effort that encourages residents to help their elderly neighbors to live safe and independent lives. Elderly members of the community face unique challenges; these challenges include lack of transportation, isolation, hazards in the home environment, and higher susceptibility to scams. The program recruits neighbors to provide transportation services to the elderly; organizes visits to isolated or vulnerable seniors; sponsors informational workshops on scams, and much more.

An Evening of Elegance will take place on Saturday, October 28, 2006 from 5p.m. to 7:30p.m. Opening Remarks are scheduled for 5:30p.m. The event will be held at Eskaton Jefferson Manor, located at 5959- 66th Avenue, Sacramento. Music groups from Luther Burbank High School will provide the evening’s musical entertainment.

For further information about An Evening of Elegance, please contact Tracey Gray, Program Coordinator, Caring Neighborhoods, (916) 566-1594; or Christina DeMoss, Program Coordinator, W.I.A. Youth Program, (916) 808-6023.

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