Purpose
To provide low-income seniors an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of over 6,500 disadvantaged children and young adults. 

Description
Children need strong, consistent relationships with caring adults that help build confidence and life skills. They need extra love, nurturing and understanding. They need Generations, the Porter-Leath sponsored version of the national Foster Grandparent Program. Generations helps to fill the gap, bringing children in need together with low-income seniors in a mutually-beneficial experience. The volunteers spend an average of 20 hours per week reading, mentoring and sharing their time with children at schools, Head Start centers, hospitals, daycare centers and residential treatment centers in Memphis and Shelby County.

Services Provided
• One-on-one emotional support of disadvantaged children
• Tutoring of children with low literacy skills
• Mentoring of troubled youth and pregnant or parenting teens
• Nurturing premature infants and children with physical disabilities or illnesses

Benefits
• Increased sense of belonging and accomplishment for seniors
• Increased interaction and nurturing for children
• Stronger communities through cross-generational learning
• Respectful, positive relationships with caring older adults

History
Although the Foster Grandparent Program has operated in Memphis since 1972, Porter-Leath has been the sole sponsor since 1985.

Other Facts
• Participants qualify based on age (60+) and income level (at or less than 125% of poverty.)
• Participants are recruited from other Porter-Leath programs and partners, as well as referrals from volunteer stations and other foster grandparents.
• Funding is provided by the Corporation for National and Community Services, TN Department of Mental Retardation Services, United Way of the Mid-South, Youth Villages, Southwest Tennessee Community College, Memphis Civitan Club and private donations.