Foundation joins effort to tap boomer experience

by KATE PARMELEE Baby Boomers helped change the world in the ’60s. As the first generation of Baby Boomers enters their 60s, will they do it again? National research is showing that as the baby boomer generation ages many want to work, learn and volunteer in ways that help others. With a $25,000 grant, The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin counties is conducting a study to learn how the community can tap into this extraordinary pool of experience locally. The study will look at barriers and opportunities for engaging a growing number of residents older than 50 — the largest, healthiest and best educated group in history — in ways that benefit Palm Beach and Martin counties. The study will also look at how other generations can follow the Boomers’ lead of generating civic good. The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin counties is among eight foundations nationwide to receive a grant from Community Experience Partnership, a multi-year, multi-million dollar initiative from The Atlantic Philanthropies, a private foundation that supports programs worldwide. The grants are provided to help community foundations understand current realities and identify new possibilities for older adults seeking to improve their communities.