S.A.G.E. - Senior Volunteering Makes Dollars and "Sense"

(RICHBORO, PA) – Senior Adults for Greater Education in collaboration with the Bensalem, Council Rock and Pennsbury school districts have announced increasingly positive numbers for the 2011-2012 academic year.  169 Senior volunteers contributed a total of 6,436 hours amounting to $140,246 in “valued added services” to these 3 distinguished school districts. (A volunteer hour is equal to $21.79) These “Communitarians,” have been an essential supplement to traditional classroom learning for over a decade in Lower Bucks County.  In addition to enriching the lives of today’s youth, S.A.G.E. is optimistic that House Bill 273, the STRIVE program, will soon provide further incentives for current and future Senior volunteers.

The Senior Tax Reduction Incentive Volunteer Exchange Program, sponsored by State Representative, Dick Hess, R-78, would help seniors earn credits towards their property tax bills by volunteering at local schools.  This initiative aligns perfectly with the mission that S.A.G.E’s Executive Director, Beryl Katz, founded in her own backyard more than 13 years ago.  

“As a secondary educator and an avid PTA volunteer, I wanted to create an organization that positively impacted student-to-teacher ratios while bringing innovative services to schools with budgetary constraints.  House Bill 273 is a win-win situation for everyone.  With the positive potential of STRIVE, our volunteers will continue to enhance academic communities while benefiting from property tax assistance.”  

Law makers supporting the bill include Frank Farry, R-142, Paul Clymer, R-145, Tina Davis, D-141, Tom Murt, R-152, Bernie O’Neill, R-29, Scott Petri, R-178, Todd Stephens, R-151 and Kathy Watson, R-144. 

S.A.G.E. differentiates itself from other senior volunteer organizations in Bucks, Montgomery and Chester Counties by using an in-depth “matching” process.  This unique method has continuously created successful volunteer pairings in the past.  99% of teachers and volunteers seek to continue their arrangement from year to year. The non-profit takes into consideration a teacher’s request for assistance as well as the Senior’s. S.A.G.E. participants come from all walks of life.  Volunteers routinely report “happier and healthier lifestyles” while sharing a lifetime of experiences that help to shape tomorrow’s leaders.  Weekly and “episodic,” or one time volunteers, contributed over $80,000 in “value-added services” to the Council Rock school district alone this year.  In 2011, a survey of 88 teachers found that 94% of respondents gave more individual attention to students with the assistance of a Senior volunteer. 

As a new school year approaches, S.A.G.E. has a bright outlook toward the future.  Their positive impact on Lower Bucks School districts will further expansion efforts; while eagerly awaiting legislative approval of House Bill 273.  S.A.G.E. anticipates that the STRIVE program will become an incremental tool providing Seniors with property tax assistance from the communities they selflessly serve. Doing Good Makes Sense.

WHAT IS S.A.G.E. TM?

Senior Adults for Greater Education (S.A.G.E.) is a 501©3 non-profit organization that promotes involvement of people 55 and over in community schools to createpositive role models for youths, resulting in mutually rewarding inter-generational experiences and beneficial partnerships between school districts, teachers and students.  S.A.G.E has been a continual source of dedicated service and innovative educational supplements in Lower Bucks County since 1999. Today, S.A.G.E has nearly 1,200 members and reaches well over 5,000 students annually. Visit www.beasage.org or call 215.357.2332 tolearn how you can make a difference in your community.