Page 208 - PINE CREST 2000

Teen Connect by Sandra DiCapua

It is our duty as the generation of tomor­
row “to help alleviate the loneliness of isolated
older people in the community,” the generation

of today. Teen Connect was formed with this

obligation in mind. It was created with the
dream that “students, our future leaders, learn
about the issues and consequences of aging while

expanding their knowledge of social concerns.”
Teen Connect helps form a strong bond between

older individuals in our neighborhoods and teenagers with the hope and belief that
they will make a positive impact on each other and on the community as a whole. It

is an otherwise unobtainable experience and opportunity that was created by Alfred
Ciffo III, a member of the Pine Crest Community. Together with peers, family, and

mentors, he headed the conception of an organization that thrives and will continue to
thrive for years to come. Teen Connect was started at Pine Crest, and this program
has expanded to two other schools in South Florida. It is the hope of all the members

and constituents of this honorable foundation that Teen Connect will provide a way
for the elderly to be not only role models to students but also friends and counselors.

With much work and a group of participants, Teen Connect has become a vital part of
communication and nurturing with elders in our surrounding areas. The way that it

works is that a student gets assigned a senior citizen, and he calls them on at least a
weekly basis. The conversations may be short or long, and they have to do with

anything from background to interests to history. These conversations help form a
connection of trust and friendship between the pair. As the relationship continues, an
everlasting link is given body to. Both the student and the elderly individual cherish

and profit from this union. It is the dream of all who are involved with this magnifi­

cent organization that this program will better the lives of senior citizens and help the
aging process continue with ease.

Teen Connect

First Row: Sandra DiCapua, Mara Schultz,
Michelle Joy, Genevive Gaston, Mrs. Weiss
Second Row: Anthony Belotto, Alfred Ciffo,
Lawrence Berliner