Intergenerational Program Database

AGE to age: bringing generations together is an intergenerational grassroots initiative of the Northland Foundation designed to connect youth with older adults to build relationships and enhance their communities. This initiative provides an avenue for different generations to overcome age stereotypes, establish friendships, and pool their strengths for civic good. Over 1,200 people age 55+ and 2,400 youth, and 1,300 adults from the generations in between have been touched by this program, and momentum continues to grow. The AGE to age “secret of success” lies in nurturing respectful relationships and empowering communities to embrace the unique talents of all ages.

KAIROS alive! uses dance and storytelling to create a sense of community and well-being in participants of all ages and walks of life. It is the only intergenerational modern dance company in MN. Ages range from 7 to 98.

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.

Weaving Our Stories, a summer intergenerational program. Children ages 7-15 collaborated with seniors in an apartment complex on art and storytelling. Teaching artists led the program which culminated in an artwork display