Intergenerational Program Database

Support for grandfamilies: grandparents raising grandchildren. Provides resources for grandparents and grandchildren: support groups; counseling; caregiver training; case management; respite. Also provides resources to help grandparents obtain temporary guardianship of grandchildren.

RSVP Kenosha mentoring program places RSVP volunteers in elementary and middle schools. They serve as role models and spend time once a week with their mentees in the classroom

At the Fernandez Center for Alternative Learning RSVP Workshop Mentoring Program, RSVP volunteers are making a difference with at-risk students by helping them discover the joy of learning through the use of power tools. Students learn about safety and complete basic woodworking projects. This "hands-on" type of learning also increases the students' self-esteem and confidence and instills a sense of pride in accomplishments. The volunteers provide a supportive environment by being patient and by understanding that the students have varying abilities and learn at different rates. The real benefit of this program is the mentoring and bonding that takes place between student and volunteer.

RSVP Reading Tutor program began in 1998 as a national initiative to ensure that every child reads well and independently by the end of third grade. Since the beginning, volunteers have been reading with first and second grade children in various schools. Most volunteers read with children for 90 minutes once a week. The attention of a caring volunteer results in students not only improving their reading scores on standardized tests, but also increasing their self-esteem as they become more confident readers.

America Reads is a national program to assure that all students are able to read at grade level by third grade. Volunteers spend time each week with Kindergarten through Third Grade students in one-on-one and small group settings. Volunteers are grouped in teams for orientation, training, recognition and support.

Contributions of Different Cultures are half day and whole day events where students and seniors are brought together to share and learn from each other. Through hands-on activities, music, and food preparation students are taught an oral history lesson. Folk Fairs help to demonstrate and preserve our community and appreciation of the past. Hundreds of adults and thousands of students participate in our Folk Fairs every year.

The Intergenerational Program connects older adults with children and youth in Dane County. Intergenerational volunteers work with students across Dane County, volunteering as tutors, computer buddies, guest speakers, and as support to students in the classroom. Intergenerational volunteers also work with children at various community nonprofit organizations in Dane County.

Grandparent/grandchild camp is a half week day camp for grades K-up. Adults and children camp in our campground with their equipment. Grandparents and grandchildren will join our staff who provide programs that encourage fellowship and interaction. Two lunches are included for the children and grandparents. There are optional activities for adults during the day.

RSVP BABES (Beginning Alcohol and Addictions Basic Education Studies) is a prevention program using colorful puppets to encourage children to live happy, healthy lives free from abuse. Trained RSVP volunteers using BABES puppets and a script present accurate, nonjudgmental and age-appropriate information to all second grade classes in Portage County. The program is designed to help children by promoting self-esteem, defining peer pressure and practicing good decision-making skills. The program also helps the children understand and develop skills necessary to cope with unhappy situations and stresses the importance of asking for help.

In B.A.B.E.S (Beginning Alcohol and Addictions Basic Education Studies)trained volunteers use animal puppets to educate students about substance abuse, coping skills and peer pressure. Senior volunteers serve as role models, developing caring relationships with students over the course of the five weeks they are in the classroom.