November 5, 2007

To The Case Foundation:

This letter is to serve as support for the Plymouth Intergenerational Coalition (PlC) and their “Linking the Generations” project. I currently serve as superintendent of the Plymouth School District. From the first time I participated in community input sessions of this group, I have sensed that their vision had tremendous potential to impact the quality of life for many generations in a way that builds positive community spirit.

I support PlC’s mission to bring together non-profit community groups into a shared-site facility to enhance the experience of generations helping each other, and working together to benefit the community. The cornerstone of this mission is to build an Intergenerational Community Center, which will facilitate intergenerational experiences that will be powerful educational opportunities and formulate meaningful relationships and partnerships for all.

To date, the PlC has done an excellent job of building community support and involvement for their vision and for the creation of an Intergenerational Center. The Plymouth School District is an active PlC partner and interested stakeholder. Our assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction is a member of the PlC Board of Directors, which provides our district with a voice in program development and provides PlC with educational and child developmental expertise. We have established a community-based four-year-old kindergarten programs with Head Start and Here We Grow Child Care Centers, two of PlC’s partners.

I value the focus on weilness, both for children developing healthy lifestyles and for Seniors ‘aging well’ this program has. Along with weilness, the concept also plans to incorporate environmentally friendly components for this facility, which provides learning opportunities for our entire community along with energy efficiency. It also presents opportunities for bringing the generations together to learn about the environment through the development of gardens, natural prairie areas, hiking trails, etc. I support the focus of the grant funds to develop these areas and programs. I also know it will be a project that can be replicated in other communities.

I urge your support for the Plymouth Intergenerational Coalition and the “Linking the Generations” Project.

Simcerely,

Clark Reinke, Ed. D.
Superintendent

November 8, 2007

The Case Foundation
1717 Rhode Island Ave. NW 7th Floor
Washington, DC 20036

RE: Plymouth Intergenerational Coalition application for Make It Your Own Awards grant

To Whom It May Concern:

As the State Senator representing Plymouth, Wisconsin, I am writing to respectfully request
your strong consideration for the Make It Your Own Awards grant application submitted by the
Plymouth Intergenerational Coalition for their Linking the Generations project.

If awarded, funds from this grant would build upon the support this organization has already
received from the private sector through individual, anonymous donations, corporate sponsorship, area volunteers and from the public sector through a Wisconsin Department of
Commerce planning grant.

One of the reasons that the Plymouth Intergenerational Coalition’s Linking the Generations project has received this level of financial support already is because there is widespread community support and involvement in this project. The coalition has brought together a group of volunteers from diverse community groups and non-profit organizations to address the needs of seniors, youth and families. In addition, they have worked hard to form partnerships, gain community input and research needs - all on a voluntary basis.

The work that has already gone into this project and the process that will continue to be followed exactly matches the civic engagement concept outlined in the mission of your grant. This is going to be a model project that other communities will look to replicate.

Thank you for your strong consideration of support for the Plymouth Intergenerational
Coalition’s application for the Make It Your Own Awards grant. Please contact me if you have
any questions about this matter.

Sincerely,

Joe Leibham
State Senator
9th State Senate

The Plymouth Intergenerational Coalition is seeking a Development and Communications Manager. An outline of the responsibilites and qualifications is provided below. Interested applicants may apply by calling our office at 920-892-4858 or by emailing us at pic@excel.net.

Plymouth Intergenerational Center
Position Description

Position Title: Development and Communications Manager

Reports to: Board Chair/Executive Committee

I. Position Summary

The Manager is responsible for managing all fundraising and communication activities for the organization initially working on the capital campaign to raise major gifts for both construction and operations. This position has a management function that is to be conducted externally, focusing on the identification, cultivation, solicitation and recognition of donors through current gifts and multi-year gift commitments (pledges).

II. Primary Job Responsibilities

* Work with the Capital Campaign Committee in developing a comprehensive campaign plan and oversee the implementation on behalf of the Coalition
* Interpret the Coalition’s mission, vision, strategic plan, financial needs and opportunities to board members, committee members, volunteers, and the community
* Cultivate, visit, and solicit gift and grant prospects
* Manage the budget and resources provided by Board of Directors to accomplish specific goals
* Participate in the identification and enlistment of volunteers at all organizational levels
* Identify, recruit, and provide training for volunteer leaders and program volunteers related to fundraising needs and activities
* Initiate, develop, and maintain major donor relationships with special attention given to frequent cultivation activities (Individuals, Businesses, Corporations, Foundations and Organizations)
* Represent the Coalition’s in a fundraising capacity and at special civic and social functions
* Participate in continued strategic planning for the Center
* When appropriate, consult with the Coalition’s legal advisors to protect the corporation in all contract negotiations
* Prepare regular activity reports and updates
* Attend regular board meetings, and Executive Committee and other committee meetings, as requested
* Establish and maintain prospect management/ tracking system
* Work with the Building/Site Committee on the construction of the Center
* Work closely with the Communications Committee to maintain consistency with all internal and external communications, including newsletters, campaign updates and website information
* Facilitate meetings, oversee office operations, etc.
* Complete tasks as assigned by the Board Chair/Executive Committee.

III. External Impact

The Development & Communications Manager will have frequent contact with individuals representing all levels, particularly the major gift level, of the Coalition’s prospect, donor and volunteer database to include corporations, foundations, businesses, friends, parents, and community leaders. The cultivation and maintenance of these relationships will have long-term impact on the image and effectiveness of the fundraising program and the Center’s advancement efforts.

IV. Qualifications

This position requires:

* An undergraduate degree, as well as five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in resource development
* Successful experience in administration and project management
* Major gift cultivation and solicitation experience
* A high-level of interpersonal and relationship-building skills
* A self-starter who is able to follow-through on activities and take responsibility for results
* A high level of organizational skill and energy, and an ability to carry out multiple concurrent tasks and priorities
* Strong communication and leadership skills and the ability to speak confidently in public
* Creativity, imagination, problem-solving skills, and the ability to adjust direction and strategies
* Both excellent written and oral communication skills
* Proficiency with nonprofit budgeting
* Proficiency in using PC computers and software including Windows, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word
* The ability to work with a team
* A working knowledge of the community and it’s needs
* Some level of understanding of intergenerational programming or willingness to learn, as well as wellness and green initiatives
* Ability to effectively communicate mission of PIC
* Professional and organizational skills and ability to make ethical decisions

Salary: $40,000 per year based on full-time status

Full-time/Part-time: Negotiable

Benefits: None

What is the Intergenerational Coalition?
It is a unique, “grassroots”, public – private partnership of organizations and individuals centered around the mission of developing an intergenerational center to serve the Plymouth Community and surrounding areas. This will include a Senior Center, a Child Care Center, Head Start Program, Family Resource Center and possibly other related organizations that would be a ‘good fit’ with the mission.

Who are the partners?
The original partners are Aurora Health Care, the City of Plymouth (Senior Center) and Here We Grow Child Care Center. Our Board of Directors also represents a local bank (Community), St. Nicholas Hospital, Plymouth School District, and other interested individuals.

Are they For-Profit?
The Coalition has obtained both State and Federal 501(C)(3) – Non-Profit – Status. We are registered as the “Plymouth Intergenerational Coalition”. Any Donations are tax-deductible. The Board is volunteer and we have no paid staff.

Will the ‘Occupants’ in this Center pay rent?
Yes, the Coalition will actually own the building (non-profit organization). They will rent space to the Senior Center, the Child Care Center, and other compatible, interested organizations (non-profit). The rent payments will help pay for the mortgage and operations.

How will this project be financed?
It will be funded in several ways. We will be seeking donations from businesses/companies, individuals, and service clubs/organizations through a Capital Campaign. We will also pursue government and private foundation grants for this innovative and collaborative project. We will look to finance part through a local bank, and are researching various options. As mentioned above, the rents will be used to pay for debt retirement and operations. With funds raised, we intend to start an endowment fund that will eventually provide an income stream to fund annual operational expenses.

How much is this going to cost?
Our current estimate based on square footage needed and the feasibility study completed by an Architectural Firm is approximately 2.4 to 3.6 million dollars. (Minimum of 28,000 square feet)

Is there really a need?
Yes. The impetus for this project has grown out of both problem and need. Our Community has need for a senior center to serve recreational, social, nutritional, health & wellness, and creative/meaningful activity needs of the older adult population. Older adults have a need for a resource/learning center, a place to serve others and share their skills and creative energies. Our Community also has a need for child care services. As we know, most families today have two working parents. This creates a need for reliable, quality child care opportunities. Our local businesses and industries also rely on the availability of child care so they can have workers available.

Seniors: Our Plymouth Senior Center has out-grown its current facility. It has a rich history of being the first Federally Funded, Multi-Purpose Senior Center in the State (1967). Over the years it has continued to grow in serving the needs of our seniors and is presently at its second location. The number of participants has increased by 70% since 1994. We also know that based on demographic projections, we are an aging society. By the year 2020, there will be more people age 65 and older than age 17 and under. U.S. population 65+ will grow from 12% in 1995 to 20% in 2020. From 1995 to 2020, the 85+ population will grow by 106%. This is a world-wide trend. We also know (studies have shown) that involvement in social and meaningful activities has as much impact on the health and well-being of elders as physical exercise (both will be available in this project!).

Child Care: Our Community has limited child care opportunities. There is only one that is facility based (not in the proprietor’s home) and licensed for ages 6 weeks to 12 years of age. There have been several small in-home, family day care providers that have ceased to operate. The largest child care facility (Here We Grow) is in an antiquated building that no longer adequately serves the children and staff for their quality programs. There is no room for growth or expansion at this location. The continuing lack of available and affordable child care will have a huge negative impact on local families and a growing business community.

Will you bid out for providers of service?
That is not in the plan. We have set criteria for both Senior Center and Child Care Providers. They are as follows:

Child Care:
Capacity to serve approximately 100 children
Licensed by the State
Nationally Accredited
Provides care to age groups 6 weeks to 12 years
Offers both full-time and part-time rates
Offers family rates for multiple children
Offers subsidized rates through State/County Programs for low-income families

Senior Center:
Ability to serve approximately 150 – 200 seniors on a daily basis
Ability to provide noon meal (“Food & Fellowship”) or other food service program
Programs in the area of Social, Recreational, Educational, Skills-Sharing, and Personal Enrichment

Ability to offer programs of interest/service to the “young-old” (65-75), the “old” (75-85), and the “old-old” (85+) populations

Ability to partner with a child care provider and local schools to develop and provide intergenerational activities

Ability to provide an avenue for seniors to share their histories and skills as desired with peers and/or youth

Ability to provide volunteer opportunities for seniors as well as community members regardless of age

Based on our current research, Here We Grow and our Plymouth Senior Center are the only ones in our Community that meet this criterion. We also have taken into consideration that these two entities have been good, reliable community partners for many years – Senior Center for 40 years – Here We Grow for 20 years. We believe this known and successful history is a strong consideration for selecting them as partners in this project.

What are the benefits of an Intergenerational Activity/Program?
For Children:

Promotes personal relationships with elders
Develops positive social experiences
Fosters positive attitudes toward aging and the lifecycle
Increases empathy
Provides unconditional acceptance and emotional support
Promotes understanding of physical disabilities/limitations
Offers the opportunity to learn skills and wisdom of another generation
Promotes mentors and positive role models

For Older Adults:

Offers the opportunity to share a lifetime of experience and skills
Promotes positive, fulfilling use of retirement time (“age-ing” to “sage-ing”)
Provides a chance to “give back” a positive contribution to the community
Reduces isolation and loneliness through social contact
Provides unconditional acceptance and emotional support
Improves self-esteem
Provides a chance to reminisce
Helps seniors keep an awareness of issues/concerns of a younger generation

For the Greater Community:

Promotes greater utilization of resources and experiences in the community
Promotes understanding and acceptance between generations
Increases communication between segments of the community
Improves image of children and of older people
Helps break down stereotypes and discrimination
Fosters recognition of needs at all age levels
Preserves historical and cultural traditions
Forms partnerships among community organizations and individuals
Develops a true sense of community, enhancing spirit and pride
Informs a future generation of issues for social and government policy

Founding Organizations: Aurora Health Care (Marsha Vollbrecht, Senior Services), Plymouth Senior Center (City of Plymouth), Here We Grow Child Care Center (Debi Lisowe). Our Board of Directors includes representatives from a local banks (Community, US Bank), St. Nicholas Hospital, City Council, Plymouth School District, Community Members, Law, and Wisconsin Child Care Improvement Project.

Are you paying a professional fund-raiser?
No. We have hired a consultant to help us do research, assist with grants, organize the fund-raising process and keep us on a time line. Payment is for hours of service only. As mentioned above, all the Board Members are volunteering their time. They do so in light of busy lives, other responsibilities and committees/boards, and more than full-time jobs!

PLYMOUTH INTERGENERATIONAL COALITION
PROGRESS REPORT MILESTONES

• Anonymous Donation of $100,000.00 (early 2005) after community focus group

• Received a Department of Commerce Planning Grant - $18,750.00 (Sept. 2005)

• Purchased Land Site from Fred & Mary Ann Luedke at a price below appraised value – thus in-kind donation of $35,000.00 ( January 2006)

• Sent out RFP for Architect Firms, interviewed and scored each firm (August 2006)

• Received unanimous approval of Plymouth City Council for the Senior Center to join the ‘PIC’ project in a new Center (March 2007)

• Held Strategic Planning Session for ‘PIC’ Board and ‘Friends’ facilitated by Mary Lynn Dohohue (in-kind donation of time – June 5th 2007)

• Received donation of $150,000.00 from the Van Horn Auto Group as ‘seed money’ to move the project forward (June 2007)

• New donated office space established for ‘PIC’ – donated by Margaret Wittkopp/Veritas Financial in her office suite – establishes a good presence in the community (June 2007)

• Signed contract with Eppstein Uhen Architects (July 24th 2007)

• ‘Visioning’ meeting held with Board and lead architects to begin exploring style of proposed bldg. (July 24th 2007)

• Received pledge of $150,000.00 from funds of the Plymouth Area United Way that were committed to Plymouth before the merger with Sheboygan Area United Way – earmarked for building (July 2007)

• Collaboration meeting with officials from Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice (July 2007)

• Exploration of ‘Green Concept’ Building for this project, and decision to pursue as a model project for energy efficiency, environmental protection and education (July 2007)

• Initial meeting held with volunteers interested in Landscape Committee and Interior Design Committee with possible in-kind donations - Also Program Review with all partners and architects (July 31st 2007)