Connectedly

Philly families read together is an intergenerational program for grandparents enriching the education of their grandchildren. The main focus of the program is to improve literacy skills for children and also to improve the digital literacy skills of grandparents. Philly families read together provides weekly family literacy workshops. These workshops teach grandparents how to help children build reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. With both virtual and in-person options, this program serves 25 families with 40+ individuals.

Healthy lives community-based support groups connect older adults with their peers. The weekly groups are facilitated by peer leaders or volunteers who are trained and mentored by connectedly staff. Members discuss common concerns, problem-solve, provide emotional support, and exchange information and resources. The social connections gained are proven to reduce or stabilize depression,increase coping skills and promote independence. Over 220 individuals participate in these groups which meet either by telephone or in-person at senior centers and subsidized apartment buildings.

Homebound group telephone counseling connects isolated older adults with their peers in weekly sessions facilitated by licensed clinical social workers. These groups provide essential support and safety net services through consistent contact to identify issues, discuss solutions and give access to needed services before a crisis occurs. This program reaches 15 isolated clients weekly.