MISSION STATEMENT
Sharon Gullo MS,CNS,APN,PNP
18 Terrace Drive
Canandaigua, New York 14424
585-737-9771
GENERATIONS CONNECTION
Mission Statement:
Assist students in Ontario County to reach academic success by being tutored
virtually or in person by a volunteer professional group of retired teachers.
INTENTION:
The intention or goal of this project is to cohesively bond the younger generation
with the older generation: hence the name Generation connection. The younger
generation will profit from learning new skills and insights and academic progress
in a nurturing relationship with an older adult. The older generation will hopefully
feel a sense of accomplishment and purpose: a giving back in a time of national
crisis.
There are many young students who are academically/socially falling behind due to
various limitations and their lack of interpersonal relationships with their peers and
older adults. Interpersonal relationships are so necessary to everyone’s learning
and well-being. As humans we are social beings who need connection with others to
enhance our own development and growth. Research has shown that infants who
are left alone, without physical attention, will eventually die. We all need personal
connection.
Today it is sad to see so many young people who are desperately lonely, isolated and
feeling powerless to change their lives or their situation. In the 2020 British Medical
Journal it is stated and I quote: “Widely reported studies modeling the effect of the
Covid-19 pandemic on suicide rates predicted increases ranging from 1% to 145%
largely reflecting variation in underlying assumptions. Particular emphasis has been
given to the effect of the pandemic on children and young people. Numerous surveys
have highlighted that their mental health has been disproportionately affected,
relative to older adults and some suggest an increase in suicidal thoughts and self-
harm.” It is also concerning to see the older generation, equally alone and unable to
see their loved ones, often times at the end of their lives. Why not bring these
populations together and enhance everyone’s sense of well-being and give them a
new sense of purpose. That is the intent of this project.
TEMPLATE OF THE PROJECT:
- Get approval for the project from the Teachers Union, the Superintendent
and the School Board. - Enlist a group of 10-30 Retired Teachers/ and or professionals who will
volunteer their time and energy to tutor selected students(suggested by their
teachers) either virtually or in person depending on their comfort level. - Meet with the Project managers( Sharon Gullo, Bessie Tyrell, Jeanne
Guastaferro) monthly to review successes, problems and solutions. Track the
progress. This would be a support group for the teachers. - Have the retired teachers interface with the school teachers and parents to
solidify solutions and suggest future plans. - Have students complete a questionnaire evaluating the project’s progress.
- Have the retired teachers complete a questionnaire evaluating the project’s
progress.
Directors: Project Managers:
Sharon Gullo
Jeanne Guastaferro
Ellen Polimeni
Bessie Tyrrell
Board of Directors
Robert Blazak
Joanne Campbell
Richard Cutri
Richard Landholm
Margaret Somerset
Brian Pitre
We have set up a FLACE (Finger Lakes Area Community Endowment) account at
Canandaigua National Bank (5013C) for potential donors to access should they want
to contribute to the program.