Visionary Podcast

From Seniors Straight Talk: Inspired by his mother who has Alzheimer's Disease, Dr. Altheim found music to be the key to improving her relatedness and engagement. He combined that experience with an existing program known as Excel Growth and Development Services to create Youth Engaging Seniors (YES) an intergenerational program teaching you the path to connect with older adults through music, art, empathy, and general caring. Growth and Development Services (GDS) was created in 1996 to empower individuals and transform their lives by providing them with the motivation and means to discover and sustain purpose, pride and hope in themselves, their families and the community. GDS builds resilience by helping teens, adults, families and elders reach their potential. Their programs are designed to give each participant the attention, support and practical guidance needed to Excel. There are many videos at senior centers where youth engage with seniors living with dementia; bringing them music, joy and love. Dr Gary as he is affectionately called by the youth program participants, has developed a training program to teach youth empathy, social and career skills. Meet or talk with Dr. Gary and his passion and dedication is palpable. We need more like Gary who create innovative programs to bridge the generational divide in ways that not only engage but teach. BRAVO!!!!!

“On behalf of Child Mind Institute, it is my pleasure to inform you that you have been selected as a Finalist for the People’s Choice Award at the Child Mind Institute’s 2018 Change Maker Awards. The People’s Choice Award celebrates individuals or organizations creating real, meaningful change for children struggling with mental health or learning disorders – from those putting in long hours for the kids and families they serve to the advocates fighting to increase mental health awareness and dispel stigma. Your nomination for the People’s Choice Award was submitted by Gary Shulman.

Our 4th annual Change Maker Awards ceremony, hosted by NBC’s Cynthia McFadden, will be held on May 7, 2018, at the Weill Music Room at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan. All People’s Choice Award finalists are invited, and I hope you will plan to attend whether as a winner or to support deserving colleagues. Among this year’s honorees are 2018 Activist Award winner Glenn Close, founder of Bring Change to Mind, and 2018 Champion Award Winner California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, whose priorities include mental health research and early intervention.

We are delighted to recognize you for your unwavering dedication to the vulnerable teens who live in upper Manhattan who face the challenges of mental health disorders, family instability, and community violence. Your support and advocacy programs, as well as your esteemed Excel Program, are changing life trajectories, enabling countless kids to count on a promising future.

Voting for this award is crowdsourced online. The winner will be announced in early April.

Congratulations on this honor!

Best,

Harold S. Koplewicz, MD
President