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

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- MetLife Foundation and Generations United today presented three communities with the 2015 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. This year's recipients are: Carlisle, Massachusetts; Greater Richmond Region, Virginia; and Greater Plymouth Area, Wisconsin. A fourth -- City of Surprise, Arizona -- was named national finalist.

"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."

Thelma Collins, mayor of Itta Bena, Mississippi (a 2013 winner), said: "The award helped our community see we are moving in the right direction towards a healthier community for all ages. [Since the award,] we were recognized by the Obama administration and received one of 26 technical assistance grants to help us get a grocery store."

This year's honorees, combined, have a total of 1.2 million residents, which brings the total population of people living in age-friendly communities to 8.4 million.

For full profiles of these remarkable communities, visit www.gu.org.

About MetLife Foundation: MetLife Foundation was created in 1976 to continue MetLife's long tradition of corporate social responsibility. The Foundation has provided more than $650 million in grants and $70 million in program-related investments. Today, we are dedicated to advancing financial inclusion, committing $200 million to help build a secure future for communities worldwide. 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.

SOURCE Generations United

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