Venture Description: The mission of The Victorian Hands Foundation is to enhance awareness & respect among younger generations, for our elders. By September 2007, The Victorian Hands Foundation will launch Life Stories, an intergenerational literacy program where elementary & high school students partner with seniors to document the seniors, historical & cultural histories. Through activities such as interviews and essaying, youth will develop oral & written communication as they become engaged in documenting the experiences that have shaped the lives senior partners.Seniors will exercise their cognitive & social skills.

Venture Origin: I had the priviledge of knowing and growing up with my grandmother. So from a early age, I learned to respect for my elders. I also learned the proper ways to care for our elders as well. My grandmother and I were watching 20/20 like we always did and a special on Elder Abuse & Neglect came on. I was in shock, but inspired to do something to help.

Innovation: TVHF is unique, because it was started and is run by a young person. All of our volunteers have a genuine interest in learning more about our elders. They are not volunteering specifically for community service hours, they care. And residents of nursing homes feel the difference on each visit. I think that is one of the many reasons why we are always welcome. TVHF holds & host fundraisers.

Impact

Impact: TVHF has a volunteer base of 20 ongoing volunteers, along with virtual and one-time volunteers. TVHF works with 3 nursing homes(with 236 or more residents) and 2 senior centers(300 members). Both our seniors and our volunteers benefit from each visit. Our seniors are heard, our volunteers are appreciated, relationships are formed.

Engagement with the community: Each year, TVHF partners with organizations such as: The National Foundation For Teaching Entrprenuership,The American Cancer Society, The American Heart Association and The Alzheimers Association. TVHF engage our volunteers and elders in consistent positive interactions, atleast once a month.

Impact and engagement progress since launch: Over the years, we have been able to reach more seniors as our volunteer base continue to grow. Our volunteer work is also well known and respected in communities and among facilities. So we are often contacted by facilities, schools and volunteers.

Impact and engagement strategy: Our current goal is create replicable models, so more youth and elders can experience our intergenerational programming. In this way, we will be able to start pilot programs within the five boroughs or NYC and in other states.

Awards: The Champions In the Community Award,Fleet Youth Entrepreneur Award, Osborn Elliot Community Leadership Award, Bank of America Local Hero Award

Budget

Amount of Youth Venture seed grant: $750.00

Money raised: $5,000. Our funds consist of individual contributions, grants from foundations, awards, fundraisers and promotional items.

Creative ways of raising resources: We have consistent fundraising efforts planned, such as our Reception on March 6th. And we plan on hosting presentations at the homes of current and potential individual contributors and their friends. Along with Gala Tickets(June 2008), Silent Auctions and Raffles of donated items and/or services.

Strategy

Expansion plan for next 6 months: To have our new Initiative Life Stories running in 3 schools in 2 boroughs, enhancing the lives of over 500 seniors and 500 volunteers weekly.

Plans for sustaining the project: We are always looking for ways and resources to enhance our structure and leadership. We have plans to bring on additional board members in the near future and we are always seeking ways to enhance the skills of our board members and volunteers. We do this through trainings and attending workshops.

Vision for three years from now: In three years, I envision TVHF in various states. TVHF will become a nationally recognized and respected nonprofit. With a reputation for providing quality programs, volunteers and improving the quality of lives young and old throughout the year.

Project impact: TVHF makes a difference in the lives of the youth that volunteer and the seniors that we serve.

Youth Venture movement - what it means and how you can contribute: I feel honored to be a part of the Youth Venture Movement. No where else can I find a support network of positive youth with similar goals and organizations. I have been a volunteer speaker for Youth Venture since 2001 and I plan on continuing to spread the word to youth, who need a place to start something great.

Author:
Nadia
United States
Website: www.tvhf.org