Rochester, NY—The Strong National Museum of Play is pleased to announce it has received a grant of $15,000 from the Golisano Foundation to support its Generation Two (G2) inclusive volunteering program. With this support, G2 will collaborate with local organizations to train individuals with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD) to be G2 volunteers. The G2 program delivers 1:1 child-directed play sessions into area K-2 classrooms, and the volunteers will serve as adult “play-buddies” for three elementary classrooms.
“The G2 program improves the well-being of students in the Rochester area through the power of one-on-one, child-directed play—but it also provides a sense of connection and community for our many volunteers,” says Cathy DeBellis, The Strong’s assistant vice president for education and public programs. “We’re grateful to the Golisano Foundation for this generous grant, which will help us work with CSD Monarch and other local organizations, such as Starbridge, to support our inclusive volunteering program, allowing individuals with IDD to create connections, serve their community, and develop key social skills through play.”
In addition to supporting the recruitment and training of volunteers,the grant will also provide professional development for G2 staff on how to best serve and interact individuals with IDD. The funding will also allow the team to expand outreach efforts, build new community partnerships, and refine program materials to make the G2 experience even more accessible and impactful for all.
“The Golisano Foundation is happy to provide this support, which will connect adult volunteers with IDD with Rochester’s youngest learners for one-on-one play sessions,” says Erica Dayton, Golisano Foundation Executive Director. “This program not only provides a meaningful volunteer opportunity for individuals with IDD, it also has the potential to help students develop empathy and better understanding of diversity.”
For more information on the museum’s G2 program, visit https://www.museumofplay.org/g2/
About The Strong
The Strong is the only collections-based museum in the world devoted solely to the history and exploration of play. It is home to the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the National Toy Hall of Fame, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, the Woodbury School, Generation Two, National Archives of Game Show History, and the American Journal of Play. It houses the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play.
About the Golisano Foundation
The Golisano Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. dedicated to making the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Foundation is devoted to opening doors to opportunity, changing negative perceptions and stereotypes, and forging unprecedented partnerships to ensure individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have pathways to personal dignity, independence, and the best possible expression of their abilities and talents throughout their lifetimes. Founded in 1985 by Tom Golisano—entrepreneur, philanthropist, civic leader, and founder of Paychex, Inc. —the Foundation “imagines the possibilities,” advocating for families, fighting for their dignity, and giving people with IDD the opportunity to thrive in their communities. With more than $100 million in gross assets, it awards about $5 million annually to non-profit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida.