Feature Article
“What comes next?” This question, common among those approaching -- or in -- retirement, means different things to different people. For some, it can refer to decisions about how to use their time or become involved in their community. For others, it can raise questions about financial planning or health concerns. Regardless of which “what comes next” issue is on the table, there is good news for those in the 50+ age group: there are many opportunities and there is an easy way to get answers. The Philadelphia-based non-profit initiative Coming of Age offers Pennsylvania’s Boomers resources, events, guidance, and access to opportunities.
Dick Goldberg, Director of Coming of Age, cites Nancy Henkin (Center for Intergenerational Leadership), Maureen McCoy-Farmar (Pennsylvania AARP), Mary Strasser (former Vice President of United Way of Southeastern PA), and Willo Carey (WHYY) as the initial visionaries. They approached the Pennsylvania Department of Aging with their proposal and received a tremendous amount of support, including three years of core funding to get the initiative started. Mr. Goldberg considers Nora Dowd Eisenhower, PA Secretary of Aging, and Bill Johnston-Walsh, Penn MSW’88, PA Deputy Secretary of Aging, two of the “most enlightened leaders in the field” and points out that they were instrumental in backing Coming of Age. (Both Ms. Dowd Eisenhower and Mr. Johnston-Walsh have taught courses at Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice.)
Although the target audience for Coming of Age is Boomers, it also serves an equally important constituency: non-profit organizations. The benefits of connecting non-profits and experienced workers are obvious, yet making this connection a reality can be easier said than done. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that one of the initiative’s most successful pieces is its volunteer search engine. This feature, found on the website, allows potential volunteers to search existing opportunities and find a fit that is right for them. It simultaneously creates an efficient way for non-profits to advertise their employment to a group of committed and skilled volunteers.
Other Coming of Age initiatives include Boomervision!® – a lecture and discussion series; Boomers’ Night Out! – facilitated discussions about “next steps”; and a comprehensive, interactive website loaded with information for Boomers. The website, which took almost eight months to create, offers a virtual library of content in a format that is easy to use and always expanding. Throughout all of its programs, Coming of Age offers guidance on the issues that are important and relevant to those near or in retirement. One such issue is the growing popularity of “encore” careers, starting a new work endeavor after retiring.
Most of the Coming of Age programming occurs in Greater Philadelphia, but the group consults with other organizations around the country. Mr. Goldberg predicts that the Coming of Age model – bridging exploration of the future with civic engagement – will appear in other cities as well. For more information about Coming of Age, please visit the website at www.comingofage.org.