Intergenerational Program Database

You can change a life by providing the individual attention that helps children build confidence and success. Opportunities are available in DC Public Schools, Montgomery County, Prince George County and 18 other U. S. cities. OASIS volunteer tutors are paired with children in grades K-3 who would benefit from a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Tutors are trained to work with kids using a proven approach to literacy that emphasizes reading, talking and writing. They meet with their students at least once a week throughout the school year, providing a caring, supportive environment where reading and language activities, keyed to the child’s interests, spark curiosity and learning.

Do you want kids in your community to eat better and exercise more? Consider volunteering for OASIS CATCH Healthy Habits, an after-school program that connects adults age 50+ with kids in grades K-5 to learn about good eating habits and play active games. The program combats obesity by engaging adults age 50+ as mentors to teach healthy lifelong habits to kids in grades K-5. It’s a fun way to be healthy yourself while you help kids learn good eating and physical activity habits for a lifetime. No experience needed, just your enthusiasm and interest in helping kids. Training and materials are provided.

These programs are not age specific; anyone can participate. Elder Buddies is a program for seniors who are feeling a little lonely, or who need a little help with minor things that they cannot do anymore (such as driving to the grocery store); often it's just chatting on the phone, grocery shopping, or sharing cookies and tea. Elder Buddies has volunteers who are happy to spend some time with seniors and help them out--It's all about companionship. Elder Buddies volunteers are matched up with compatible seniors. Seniors can have more than one Elder Buddies volunteer depending on the senior's needs. EAAA also has a minor home repair program for seniors called EZ Fix. The goal of this program is to help seniors safely remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Minor home repairs are provided by skilled volunteers, and client cost is calculated on a sliding fee scale based on income. Samples of the minor repairs our volunteers can make are: Fixing broken steps and weak floor boards; installing grab bars ; repairing light fixtures and leaking toilet valves; replacing storm windows and or screens; light yard work.

CATCH brings children and adults age 50+ together to learn good eating and physical activity habits for a lifetime. The program combats obesity by engaging adults age 50+ as mentors to teach healthy lifelong habits to kids in grades K-5. Adults in the program benefit in several ways. Research shows that volunteers have lower rates of depression and mortality and greater functional ability than those who do not volunteer. As they promote healthy habits for kids and for themselves, they also experience the rewards of meaningful community service.

High school students earn service learning credits by performing clerical tasks at the Senior Center, as well as talking and interacting with older adults. College students help older adults learn English, and teach them how to use computers, social media, and cell phones. Elementary school through high school students entertain seniors during the holidays. Previously, veterans were honored at a Veteran’s Day event and the Gaithersburg High School color guard opened the occasion. During the Active Aging Expo, the Gaithersburg School of Cosmetology students provided manicures for seniors. A Senior Pool Party included seniors from the Rockville Senior Center, Asbury Methodist Village and the MV Foundation; Youth assisted with planning the pool party and lead the group in dances and games. At a joint horseback riding event, Youth Services and Senior Services helped each other with making a fire, cooking lunch and encouraging each other on the trail. The senior center's AARP Chapter participates as tutors in the JCA Heyman Interages Center Grandreaders program. Intergenerational activities planned for the future include outdoor activities, whitewater rafting, hiking, philosophical discussions of controversial topics, and a possible flash mob!

The Witnessing Project is an intergenerational program that utilizes the fascinating tradition of oral history to promote literacy and to engage students in a dialogue with elders in their community. Students conduct face-to-face interviews with elders who share first-hand stories that bear witness to the tremendous historical and social changes that have taken place in America and the world during the twentieth century. Students will then document these "living histories" and give them artistic expression by developing a book of poetry and prose. Students' academic, artistic and interpersonal skills are strengthened as they make a personal connection to history. The program culminates with a dramatic performance to celebrate the student work and honor the community's unique and significant stories.

A mentoring program for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students in elementary, middle, and high school. Many of the students are recent immigrants and the goals of the program are to help students adjust to life in the U.S., to develop students' English skills, and to boost students' self-esteem. Volunteers meet with the same student each week to spend time talking, reading, and playing games in English. Lesson plans, materials, and on-site supervision are provided by Interages staff.

The initiative is named after Martin Luther King’s vision of social justice and equality. The initiative is focused on providing mentors and growth opportunities for school-age children in Gaithersburg and is a joint venture between Asbury, Wesley Theological Seminary, the City of Gaithersburg, the Montgomery County Executive’s Office and Montgomery County Schools. Our Beloved Community initiative brings together whites, Latinos, African-Americans and children who were born in a variety of countries, representing the challenges American society faces in integrating various cultures today and demonstrating a successful path to making it happen.

Dialogues Across the Ages is a six to eight week discussion group matching adult volunteers with small groups of middle or high school students. Each week addresses a current event or other topic of interest selected by the student participants.

Grandreaders is a literacy program for second grade students who are reading below grade level. The program is designed to improve the students' ability to read more fluently and with better comprehension, all facilitated by caring and nurturing adult volunteers.