Senior Teen Joy

what is senior teen joy?

Senior Teen Joy is an intergenerational program that gives an oppourtunity for Teenagers (12-25) and older adults throughout the comunity to form meaningful connections with oneanother. Most events and activities take place at Congregation Beth Ohr in Bellmore N,Y, and give the oppourtunity to learn new stories, meet new people, have fun, and create new connections. Senior Teen Joy a jewish intergenerational program founded by two teens. Zachary Hoberman and Benji Balshin, two teens with one mission, create a positive impact throughout their community. When in school one day just a few years ago, both teens Zach and Benji noticed something about their community. They noticed that there was a gap between different generations in their community. They realized that there were no programs that brought together people like their grandparents, and teens like their grandchildren together. Because of this these two inspired teens decided to make change. They created Senior Teen Joy, Long Island's first Intergenerational program founded and directed by young Teen  community leaders. From the very beginning of creating the program they had one mission. Bring generations together, to create genuine connection and joy. Through the help of Congregation Beth Ohr in Bellmore New York, and community leaders like Ellen Agulnick, Meredith Levine, and the boy's Parents, senior teen joy was able to be what it is today. With having over 15 successful and energetic events, bringing upwards of 100 older adults, and 50 teen volunteers, Senior Teen Joy is making a significant impact throughout the Long Island Community. 

 As an Older Adult why should you be apart of the STJ Comunity?

Senior Teen Joy gives older adults more than just a new connection, or another event. It gives them a space and comunity where their stories, words of wisdom are accepted, encouraged, and valued. through laughter, conversations, and meaningful times shared with teens and the younger generation, older adults feel a new sense of belonging and connection. every event is a reminder that no one should ever feel alone and that each and every generation deserves to be heard, apreciated, and accepted.