About Coming of Age Delaware

What is COADE?

COADE is a coalition of nonprofits, originally convened by WHYY with a grant from the Delaware Community Foundation. Our mission is to help Delaware's boomers and other people 50+ lead purposeful lives and contribute to the community by connecting with organizations prepared to use their skills and experience.

COADE’s Services/Programs

  • Website
    Bi-weekly updated website featuring news, paid and unpaid opportunities at nonprofits and government agencies; profiles of boomers who are making a difference and a message board connecting boomers, nonprofits and businesses in Delaware.

  • “Inspiring Opportunities Delaware” E-blast
    Free, bi-weekly e-newsletter featuring the latest information added to the website. Sign up here for "Inspiring Opportunities Delaware".

  • “Capturing the Energy & Expertise of People 50+” Learning Labs
    A six-session training program for nonprofits that focuses on who boomers are, how to craft and market compelling opportunities to them; recruitment strategies, managing an intergenerational workforce and developing a plan of organizational change.

  • “Explore Your Future” Workshops
    Coming soon! A multi-session workshop for boomers and other people 50+ focusing on self-assessment and transitioning offered statewide at a variety of community locations such as libraries, senior centers and houses of worship.

How You Can Become Involved

  • Become a Member of the Coalition
    Attend periodic coalition meetings to provide guidance to the Steering Committee and learn of new developments. (See member organizations below.)

  • Join the Steering Committee or a Sub-committee
    Become a working member of the Steering Committee or one of its sub-committees and help manage the initiative. Meetings are held on monthly basis.

  • Become a Volunteer
    Pursue your passions while helping us accomplish our organizational goals. Together we will sculpt a volunteer role specifically tailored to your individual schedule, interests and skills. Possibilities include:

    • researching possible articles for the website;
    • writing a blog for the website;
    • writing profiles of Delaware boomers making a difference;
    • editing website content;
    • taking photos of Delaware and its people 50+;
    • becoming a facilitator for the “Explore Your Future” workshops;
    • researching 50+-friendly employers in Delaware;
    • developing a marketing plan; or
    • researching fundraising opportunities.

To discuss these or other opportunities for involvement, please contact Debby Vandiver, COADE Coordinator at Deborah.Vandiver@state.de.us.

Coming of Age Coalition Members