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Books and professional publications

  • Bowden, Jillian. “Bridging the Gaps between Generations through Storytelling.” New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association Newsletter. Vol.4 Issue 3. July 2019.
  • Chonody, Jill. Community Art: Creative Approaches to Practice. 2014.
  • Fleisher, Barbara and Reese, Thelma. The New Senior Woman: Reinventing the Years Beyond Mid-Life. 2013.
  • Fleisher, Barbara and Reese, Thelma. The New Senior Man: Exploring New Horizons, New Opportunities. 2017.
  • Chonody, Jill and Wang, Donna. “Connecting older adults to the community through multimedia: An intergenerational reminiscence program.” Professional Journal of Activities, Adaptation, and Aging. 2012.

Television, radio and podcasts

Newspapers and magazines

  • Paolino, Tammy and Whittaker, Celeste E. “Coronavirus: Volunteers raise call to reach out to isolated South Jersey senior citizens.” Courier Post. March 23, 2020.
  • Burling, Stacey. “The Best Day of My Life So Far Lets Stories Bring Generations Together.” Philadelphia Inquirer Print Edition, Health Section Front Page. November 17, 2019.
  • Burling, Stacey. “The Best Day of My Life So Far Lets Stories Bring Generations Together.” Philadelphia Inquirer Online. November 11, 2019. https://www.inquirer.com/health/best-day-of-my-life-so-far-storytelling-seniors-philadelphia-20191111.html
  • Mulford, Kim. “Elevating the Everyday.” USA Today/ Courier Post Print Edition, Life Section Front Page. August 5, 2018.
  • Mulford, Kim. “In South Jersey, Storytelling Takes Off as a Way to Connect Community.” Courier Post Online. August 2, 2018. https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/life/2018/08/02/south-jersey-steps-up-storytelling-connecting-community/719324002/
  • Dodson, Maureen. “Around the Town: Real Life. Real Stories.” Haddonfield Living. July, 2018.
  • Flynn, Kelly. “A Word from the Wise: Nonprofit Seeks Seniors to Share Stories.” The Haddonfield Sun. July 18-24, 2018.
  • Lowery, Alison. “A month-long storytelling campaign to take place at Inkwood Books.” The Haddonfield Sun. Jun 1, 2018. https://haddonfieldsun.com/a-month-long-storytelling-campaign-to-take-place-at-inkwood-books-28ef6ace5bd2
  • Paolino, Tammy. “Annual Event #BeforeIDie” is a Chance to Look Death in The Eye.” Courier Post Online. Oct 18, 2017.
  • Shelly, Kevin. “#BeforeIDie 2017: A Chance to Talk about Dying Before It is Too Late.” Philly Voice. Oct 13, 2017.
  • Scanlon, John. “With Age, Wisdom.” USA Today/ Courier Post Print Edition, Body + Spirit Section Front Page. Oct 9, 2017.
  • Scanlon, John. “What is The Best Day of My Life So Far? – Extraordinary Moments: Seniors, Youth Share ‘Best Day of My Life (So Far).’” Courier Post Online, Oct 6, 2017. And, Detroit Free Press, Oct 6, 2017. https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/life/2017/10/06/best-day-my-life-so-far/736687001/
  • GoErie.com. “Health Organization to Present Storytelling Program.” September 23, 2017. http://www.goerie.com/news/20170921/health-organization-to-present-storytelling-program
  • Dodson, Maureen. Haddonfield Living Magazine. September 1, 2017. “The Best Day of My Life. So Far. Stories to Share.”
  • Cain, Norman. “Multicultural Phialdelphia: Personal Reflections on Civil Rights.” Milestones Newspaper. February 2015.
  • Abraham, Tony. “Story Pop Up Brings the Life Experiences of Philly Seniors into Neighborhoods.” Generocity.org. October 2014. http://www.generocity.org/story-pop-up-brings-the-life-experiences-of-philly-seniors-into-neighborhoods/
  • Menio, Diane. “Secrets from The Best Day of My Life (So Far): A Call to Action.” American Society on Aging Blog. February 2014. http://www.asaging.org/blog/secrets-best-day-my-life-so-far-call-action
  • PW Staff. “Design Philadelphia Celebrates the City’s Many Creative Talents.” Philadelphia Weekly. October 2012. http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/arts-and-culture/cover-story/design_for_a_new_philadelphia-173381031.html?page=2&comments=1&showAll
  • Reese, Thelma. “A New Community Taking Wing.” Elderchicks Blog. February 2012. http://elderchicks.wordpress.com/2012/02/23/a-new-community-taking-wing-by-thelma-reese/
  •  Jennings, Becca. “The Next Generation: Senior Storytelling Group Expands to Involve Teens and More.” First Person Arts Blog. May 2012. http://firstpersonarts.org/blog/the-next-generation-senior-storytelling-group-expands-to-involve-teens-and-more/
  • Foreshaw-Rouse, Angela. “AARP Introduces New Program for Area Teens and Seniors to Share Life Experiences.” AARP Press Release. June 2011. http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/28/idUS160204+28-Jun-2011+BW20110628
  • “University of Kansas Diversity Summit.” Online News Association Website. November 2011. http://journalists.org/event/university-of-kansas-diversity-summit/
  • Garvin, Madi. “The Best Day So Far.” Philadelphia Corporation for Aging Update. Fall 2011. http://www.pcacares.org/Files/Update_Fall2011.pdf
  • Siegal, Marcia. “Twin Storytellers are Part of Senior Storytelling Day” Milestones e-news. 2010. http://www.pcacares.org/Milestones_Main_Web_Details.aspx?story=903N7L1K25
  • “Internet Café on Broad Street for Seniors.” September 2010. http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2010/09/22/5021203.htm
  • Garcia-Barrio, Constance. “Inspired by Grandma, Architect Runs Writing Class for Seniors.” Milestones Newspaper. July 2010.
  • Marder, Dianna. “The Best Day of My Life So Far: Seniors Telling Stories.” The Philadelphia Inquirer. June 2010. https://www.philly.com/philly/living/20100622_The_Best_Day_of_My_Life__So_Far___Seniors_telling_stories.html
  • PCA Staff. http://www.pcacares.org/Files/MSjuly2010.pdf
  • Leeway Staff. “Benita Cooper featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer!” Leeway Foundation Newsletter. June 2010.
  • Flesher, Rudy. “Blog Spotlight: The Best Day of My Life So Far.” First Person Arts Blog. April 2010.
  • Benita Cooper. “The Best Day of My Life (So Far).” Milestones e-news. 2009. http://www.pcacares.org/Milestones_Main_Web_Details.aspx?story=820Q50B28K24

Awards

  • Pennsylvania Senate Certificate of Recognition
  • Philadelphia Senior Center 70th Anniversary Community Service Award
  • Philadelphia Business Journal Minority Business Award – for Benita Cooper
  • New Jersey Senate Ceremonial Joint Legislative Resolution – for Benita Cooper
  • AARP Grant for Scaling Evidence-Based Solutions for Vulnerable Older Adults, Finalist
  • AARP Pennsylvania Program Grant
  • The Deaconess Foundation Innovation Award
  • Henrietta Tower Wurts Fund of Philadelphia Foundation
  • Leeway Foundation Art and Change Grant
  • Martek Biosciences & National Center for Creative Aging Beautiful Minds, Finalist
  • Philadelphia Cultural Fund Grant, Multiple Years
  • The Philadelphia Foundation Donor Advised Fund
  • Philadelphia Senior Center, Teacher of the Year Award, Multiple Years
  • Union Benevolent Association and The Samuel S. Fels Fund