MetLife Foundation, Generations United Present Awards to America's Four Best Intergenerational Communities

WASHINGTON, March 27, 2014 /3BL Media/ - MetLife Foundation and Generations United today presented four communities with the 2014 MetLife Foundation/Generations United Best Intergenerational Communities Award.  The award is intended to heighten awareness of the important role that intergenerational solidarity plays in building strong, vibrant communities. The recipients are: Greater Phoenix Region, Arizona; City of Parkland, Florida; Reston, Virginia and Village of Shorewood, Wisconsin. Miami Gardens, Florida and Rye, New York were named finalists

The awards presentation took place on Capitol Hill and featured author and journalist Juan Williams along with members of Congress.

"Today's award recipients recognize the value of promoting strong bonds between the generations and working together to create a vibrant, meaningful place to live for every generation," said Dennis White, MetLife Foundation's president and chief executive officer. "MetLife Foundation is pleased to recognize the four communities that have demonstrated forward thinking in helping to create an environment that benefits an entire community."

"When all citizens are valued, it creates a positive environment for building strong, safe, and supportive communities," said Donna Butts, executive director of Generations United. "Such communities understand the wisdom of using the resources they have to connect generations rather than separate them into age-segregated programs and facilities. That intergenerational connection leads to older adults voting in favor of school bond ballots and young people visiting their aging neighbors. Everyone is engaged and everyone has purpose."

A blue-ribbon panel of judges selected the winning entries from among a host of applicants from across the country. Robert Blancato, former executive director of the White House Conference on Aging and a partner in Matz, Blancato & Associates, served as a judge in the selection process.  Blancato noted, "It is said you can live anywhere, but that does not make it a livable community.  These awards signify that a critical component of a livable community is one that fosters an environment where generations live and work together. "

All of the winning communities showed exceptional commitment to integrating intergenerational practices into all aspects of community life. For full profiles of these remarkable communities, visit www.gu.org.

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About MetLife Foundation:  MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 to continue MetLife's longstanding tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. The Foundation is committed to building a secure future for individuals and communities worldwide. Since it was established, MetLife Foundation has provided more than $530 million in grants to nonprofit organizations addressing issues that have a positive impact in their communities. For more information, visit www.metlife.org.

About Generations United: For nearly three decades, Generations United www.gu.org has been the catalyst for policies and practices stimulating cooperation and collaboration among generations, evoking the vibrancy, energy and sheer productivity that result when people of all ages come together. We believe that we can only be successful in the face of our complex future if generational diversity is regarded as a national asset and fully leveraged.