Senior Adults for Greater Education, S.A.G.E. was born in 1999 with the support of the Council Rock School District. This district is located in the northern suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and has 16 schools which educate over 13,000 students.
 
In the fast-paced world we live in, often two parents work outside the home to help support the family, and grandparents do not live close by. For many reasons, intergenerational interchanges are limited.

As a child some of my fondest memories are of the times spent with my grandparents, Harry and Pauline. I was enraptured as I listened to their stories of their lives and the lessons they learned. What better to way to learn about history than from one who experienced it?

The growing demands on educators to reach standardized goals set forth by The No Child Left Behind law, teachers are pushed to their maximum capacity. Our population is quickly aging, with those 55 and over representing the highest growing group in the United States. These individuals also have the knowledge, the wisdom, the experience and the time to directly impact our youth.

When older individuals are directly involved in their communities their sense of isolation is reduced, they experience a renewed feeling of purpose and their general well-being is improved.

As a former teacher, and a daughter of a teacher an idea began to take shape, bringing the generations together for their mutual benefit. With the support and encouragement of the school board and the Superintendent I began to bring these “sages” into the schools to help impact the youth, the staff, and the seniors alike.

S.A.G.E is truly a dream come true for me. Reestablishing what other cultures practice, “sages” positively influence our youth so that life’s lessons can be passed form generation to generation.

Please join us!

Beryl Katz
Founder-Executive Director

The Senior Adults for Greater Education (S.A.G.E.) program in the Bensalem School District connects generations together in a unique volunteer initiative. Officials recently received a state grant of $10,000 to help with its local program. On hand for the grant presentation were (from left): Bensalem Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo, Speaker of the House Dennis O’Brien (R-Philadelphia), S.A.G.E. Fundraising Coordinator Karen Chizeck and S.A.G.E .Executive Director Beryl Katz and Rep. Gene DiGirolamo.

http://www.genedigirolamo.com/