To understand the magic of Generations Helping Generations, look no further than Marilyn Warner and Nathaniel Tanenbaum.
Marilyn and Nathaniel met this summer in DOROT’s Summer Teen Internship Program (STIP). A young-at-heart 70+ Upper West Sider, Marilyn came to DOROT looking for connection during the pandemic. Nathaniel, an 18-year-old high school senior from Brooklyn, joined the program for community service credit and to meet new people. Two people from two different generations coming together over Zoom to listen, talk, share and connect in a meaningful way.
“I think we need programs like this to get our social engines working again,” said Nathaniel. “Talking to strangers takes certain skills that are intimidating to develop.”
“I truly look forward to our conversations,” said Marilyn. “Nathaniel is a fascinating young man with a wide range of interests – we can and do talk about most everything – our age difference only makes the conversations more fun.”
From Nathaniel’s college applications and Marilyn’s grandchild to their shared interest in travel, theater, film and history, the conversations and emails flow easily. In a recent email exchange the two compared the original West Side Story to the new version of the movie, and discussed how the Broadway show Hamilton is as educational as it
is entertaining.
In late fall last year, they had the opportunity to meet in person. “That hug. I’m glad we got it on film,” said Marilyn. A new friendship, literally spanning the ages.
Adult 65+ Volunteer Opportunities!
Calling all young-at-heart 65+ volunteers to engage with teens during DOROT’s Intergenerational Programs this summer.
LEARN MORE AT WWW.DOROTUSA.ORG/65