Learning new skills in the Edad de Oro (Golden Age)
Senior development program
By Sally Glover, Chair of the Donegal Presbytery SDOP Committee
Members of Edad de Oro. Photo courtesy of Edad de Oro.
Edad de Oro is a group composed mainly of elderly Latinos, laid off, or with disabilities and illnesses living in Lancaster, Pa. As they tried to help each other, they decided to unite their efforts. With a grant from the Donegal Presbytery Self-Development of People Committee, they formed a group that provides mutual help and opportunities to share, learn and develop life and occupational skills to make items that can be sold. The proceeds have greatly helped these elders to “make ends meet” and have greatly fostered health and peace of mind. At their regular meetings, they not only hold workshops to make crafts to sell, they also have speakers, celebrations, screenings for health, and take time to share experiences. They have maintained an optimistic mentality that witnesses that it is never too late to learn, teach, and share. They desire to be positive roll models for new generations.
After a successful first year when they learned many new skills, they started to make articles to send to those in need in Kenya, Africa. That outreach increased in June, 2011, as they helped at an event to make money to support abandoned children in Bogota, Colombia. They look ahead with a positive goal of reaching more people in need around the world.
What started out as a program to help each other has blossomed into a mission with others and for others in need — a positive self development venture.
