Design 21: Social Design Network

GG is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit whose mission is to create compassionate teen leaders through service with the elderly—organizing teens to visit women living in nursing homes and give them complimentary facials and makeovers.

For the senior women, it is an opportunity to connect with young volunteers and to share their stories while gaining a renewed sense of beauty and dignity. For the teens, the program is an opportunity to gain leadership experience using a proven volunteer model with the support of a national organization.

It’s not just about makeup. Volunteers are organized into teen led chapters headed by a Chapter President. Chapter Presidents are in charge of recruiting their Co-President, volunteers, coordinating schedules with the senior facility, applying for supplies and filling out post makeover reports on GGChapters.org. They also can take part in conference calls, presenting and attending our national leadership events and much more. GG inspires Chapter Presidents to be compassionate leaders who get things done.

It’s more than skin deep. While teens have an opportunity to exercise their leadership capabilities they also learn to appreciate, respect and most importantly, enjoy their elders.

Currently, there are over 35 million elderly people in the United States. Of the 35 million at least 70% are women, who outlive their male counterparts by an average of six years. In fact, women comprise an estimated 72% of nursing home residents. In the next 25 years the elderly population is set to double to 70 million.

With disabilities common in old age – 33% of women age 65 and up had a disability or illness in 1998. There is an increased need for long term care and attention – GG wants to help address the quality of life issues that come along with this care.

GG promotes mentoring and creative entrepreneurialism at all levels. GG has achieved significant milestones in visibility, expansion and program development. But we pride ourselves on the local volunteer chapters that work within an organized group but go above and beyond “just volunteering.” They think of creative ways to celebrate their group, reward their volunteers, engage with the senior women, recruit new volunteers and keep the existing ones. Every step of the way GG supports and fosters this initiative with program guides, events and calls.