About Us
Watch the Connecting Generations Video
Connecting Generations is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide creative programs and services that help Delaware’s children and adults lead purposeful, fulfilling and self-directed lives. Founded in 1990 by retired DuPont executive Robert Kasey, Connecting Generations currently offers three programs:
Creative Mentoring offers the only statewide, free mentor training program supported by Delaware’s Department of Education, supporting more than 700 active adult mentors in more than 80 school-wide programs throughout the state.
Seasons of Respect offers an in-class workshop series designed for fifth grade students. Led by a Seasons of Respect facilitator, workshops offer interactive experiences where children creatively learn how to behave with respect toward peers and others, helping them to be able to take advantage of many opportunities that can help them become confident, caring, contributing citizens. Initially piloted in 2006, this growing program is now in 11 public schools in Delaware with over 70 classes scheduled in 2007. Seasons of Respect was developed in concert with the Positive Behavior Support Project of the University of Delaware and the Attorney General’s Bully Prevention Program.
Creative Transitions offers workshops for adults that lead participants through a process of recovering the lessons of their lives; realistically assessing where they are today; and charting a truly rewarding and fulfilling future recognizing the need to pass on their legacy to those who follow them. Workshops have been focused on adults over 50 years of age who are transitioning from the work world to retirement, although we are now considering supporting adults at all stages of their lives, including the transition from high school to university, graduation to entering the work world, and transitioning from one career to another.
We envision a society where the talents and wisdom of all people - at all stages of life - are valued resources of community and family life. Our mission is to build communities of learning and respect in which young and old alike can develop to their fullest potential.
Connecting Generations connects the generations in a way that brings out the best in them. Our programs are designed to inspire, enable and empower caring adults to play an active role in the lives of young people. We have supported programs for schools, families, neighborhoods, seniors and teenagers. These programs connect the generations by:
- teaching young people to live respect for themselves and others
- helping elders transmit their legacies to the next generation
- training mentors to work with school children
- strengthening the ties that bind communities and families together
Through the community programs we have supported, entire communities become “schools” where people of all ages learn and develop their potential, where learning takes place not just inside school buildings, but in faith-based organizations, in community centers, in civic and social clubs, and in the home.
We are a commitment maker with America’s Promise, and a “Model Project” of Rotary International for their Districts and Clubs. We seek partnerships and alliances to increase value and generate potential.
Current program highlights
To date, we have trained more than 6,300 mentors using our award-winning manual.
We are supporting 700 mentors who are mentoring over 1,000 children annually. Our mentors donate over 36,000 hours of in-school mentoring equating to a dollar value of over $645,000 each year.
We are supporting mentoring programs in 80 schools across Delaware.
We offer Seasons of Respect curriculum in 60 classes in 11 schools throughout the state.
We have presented 17 workshops to smooth the way for individuals transitioning into the next stage of life.
Past activities
We made over 50 presentations to various community organizations to teach the importance of Respect to youth groups.
We provided leadership training for over 100 teenagers.
We spent ten years working with community leaders in Northeast and Northwest Wilmington neighborhoods to develop community programs uplifting children.
We conducted thematic summer camps in Wilmington for "at risk" youth for the past five years and have worked with other youth organizations to help them create similar groups.