NISC Programs of Excellence 

• Year Awarded: 2023
• Programs of Excellence Name: Passing the Torch
• Hosting Organization: Motion Picture and Television Fund, Woodland Hills, California
• Los Angeles Population: 3.75 million
• 60+ Population: 1.47 million
• Senior Center Members: 2,565

About Passing the Torch

Passing the Torch, an intergenerational mentorship program, was created to address two issues impacting the Woodland Hils, California, community: an aging population in which older adults need to be effectively engaged and recognized as a valuable resource, and the call to increase diversity and inclusion throughout the film and television industry workforce and wider creative economy.

Passing The Torch was designed to do just that by enhancing the needs of film and television school programs in underrepresented communities with the experience, wisdom, and emotional intelligence of retired/semi-retired industry workers who are 65+ years old and eager to remain relevant.

The objectives of Passing The Torch are to maintain the health and wellness of an aging population through engagement and generativity, to broaden students' understanding of the value of older adults, introduce and prepare students for the vast array of career pathways and benefits within the industry, and for different generations to learn from each other.

The diverse range of mentors, ranging in age from their mid-60s to mid-90s, underscores the program's inclusive approach. Mentors benefit from having purpose, increased well-being, and happiness, and a reduction in social isolation, loneliness, and depression. Lois, one of the mentors, eloquently captures the program's impact: 

To be able to pass the torch to the future generation is so rewarding. It was so gratifying to share my experience with these kids and see how eager they are to learn from me. I'm thankful to Passing The Torch for including me in their mentorship program."

Similarly, Sarah, a 10th-grade participant, highlights the invaluable opportunities provided by Passing The Torch: "Having the chance to learn from retired professionals in the filmmaking industry was really beneficial."

Key takeaways from Passing the Torch:

• A diverse age range of mentors, from th mid-60s to mid-90s, underscores the program's inclusive approach.
• The benefit to the hosting organization includes providing Passing The Torch to constituents, developing new partnerships, and enhancing the core mission of supporting our community in living and aging well, with dignity and purpose. 
• Passing The Torch is not just a mentorship program, it is a catalyst for change that can be replicated by other organizations.

About the Motion Picture and Television Fund

Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF) is a nonprofit organization that was established more than 100 years ago to support the entertainment community in living and aging well, with dignity and purpose. MPTF maintains a proud legacy of caring that includes community and social services, and a residential living center for older adults. Services extend beyond a senior center, into the community, to enrich the lives of people of all ages.