I’m always pleased to share Network member success stories and new programs. Encore Tampa Bay is a 5 year old program with an impressive track record built on founder Bevan Gray Rogel’s vision and leadership. After 35 years’ experience in organizational and leadership development, Bevan was inspired to launch Encore Tampa Bay in 2013. That year she was selected for the Encore Innovation Fellow program; she’s continued to evolve the program over the past 5 years. Bevan is a member of the Network leadership team and generous advisor to other encore leaders.
The Tampa Bay area is home to more than 500,000 baby boomers, a population expanding as retirees move to west central Florida. With an over-50 population of 40% (St Petersburg) and 29% (Tampa), the area has a unique opportunity to benefit from the experience and energy of older adults. Encore Tampa Bay runs an Encore Academy in two locations (St Petersburg and Tampa) offering workshops and discussion groups to help older adults to discover and retool for their encore.
Encore Tampa Bay creates resources and pathways for boomers to explore options and retool for meaningful paid work or volunteer service. It also strengthens the local economy and organizations by connecting encore talent to the community.
Recent programs:
Moderator Bevan Rogel leads a session with local nonprofit execs from Big Brothers Big Sisters, Nonprofit Leadership Center, Empath Hospice and Catalysts Inc.
Opportunity Showcase: On April 30th, a Non-Profit Opportunity Showcase brought together 38 organizations with current opportunities with 100+ attendees. Bevan moderated an expert panel providing insights on the nonprofit sector and how to transfer for-profit skills. Post-panel, attendees met with the nonprofits, getting good reviews for their interest in signing up for projects.
Partnership with volunteerism expert Seniors in Service, which runs the local RSVP, Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions programs – a grant from Community Foundation of Tampa Bay / South Shore Council covers two projects:
- Sun City Center: revitalizing engagement and volunteerism in one of Florida’s most affordable active living senior communities. This Tampa Bay Times article profiles this work, which includes rethinking volunteerism for a new generation of residents including language, motivators and recruiting.
- Gen2Gen: mobilizing older adults in five afterschool programs. The outreach launched with an April “Movies and Mentors” evening.
“Encore Engage”- Encore Tampa Bay is adding social/networking activities at the request of many program participants. The new Encore Engage group kicked off their community-building with a reception and tour of a local museum. Stay tuned for more ideas from this volunteer-led effort.
Contact: Bevan Rogel
Published: June 22, 2018