Intergenerational Program Database

Easter Seals Serving DC|MD|VA Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Inter-generational Center has created an intergenerational program, in keeping with the community mission, that is impactful, innovative, and educational. When opposite generations engage, people are able to have more enriching experiences of autonomy, tolerance, acceptance, patience, caring and nurturing. All participants are given the opportunity to improve their cognitive ability, our activities help them to work on social and emotional, language and literacy, and behavioral skills. More overly, our program creates lasting friendships. Our Center improves the quality of life for participants of all ages by providing an opportunity for intergenerational engagement.

The JCA Heyman Interages Center has been dedicated to uniting the generations for over 30 years. The programs engage active older adult volunteers to deliver tutoring and mentoring services to at-risk youth, provide interactive programs for youth and frail elders in senior facilities and connect youth and older adults in various programs that enrich the lives of both generations.

Project SHARE is a program to enrich the lives of health-impaired seniors in adult day care centers and assisted living facilities. Project SHARE (Students Help And Reach Elders) brings children from pre-k through high school to the facilities to enjoy games, craft projects, music and dance programs with the residents.

Engineering students at Olin College, students at Wellesley and Babson partner with local community Councils on Aging for a course. Students come up with projects to allow seniors to age in place.

Intergenerational programs include a Grand-Friend Program with the Steward Elementary School in Topsfield, an annual Valentine Exchange between students and seniors ensuring that homebound seniors receive a valentine, and the S.C.A.D. Dinner - This Senior Citizen Appreciation Dinner is sponsored by the Student Council at Masconomet High School each March. Students provide dinner, entertainment and gifts to show their appreciation of senior citizens in the Tri-Town communities.

Simon C. Fireman Community is a subsidized independent housing complex for people 62 years of age and older. Fireman has developed a model partnership program with Curry College nursing students learning on-the-ground skills to become compassionate and knowledgeable care providers. In addition, the Fireman Community has a regular pen-pal program, a partnership with the Telem Jewish teen service initiative and regular multigenerational trip opportunities to connect residents with youth in the Greater Boston community. Keyword: Shared Site

music Unites is a multigenerational music program that operates from the premise that music can be a common denominator that unites us all, no matter our ages or backgrounds. Each week, local high school students teach older adults how to play musical instruments (voice, piano, guitar, and drums). Program participants are developing meaningful relationships with music as the medium; the high school students have become teachers and the older adults are realizing that there is no such thing as being "too old" when it comes to learning something new and achieving one's goals. Keyword: Shared Site

HRC Multigenerational programs include a weekly pre-school program in, Alzheimer’s Buddies with Harvard College, a partnership with Maimonides School (grades 3-6 for various programs throughout the year) for holiday celebrations and friendly visits and regular interns and volunteers from University of Massachusetts and Wheelock College. Keyword: Shared Site

What began in 1991 as an intergenerational program in one community has grown into Bridges Together, a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), dedicated to building bridges that unify children and older adults, one community at a time. We do this in three ways: 1) by developing and distributing innovative and effective intergenerational program manuals/ curricula 2) by educating professionals on why we need intergenerational programs and empowering them to develop effective ones 3) by coaching community leaders who want to create their own custom programs. Over the past 23 years, more than 10,000 children and older adults have experienced the power of Bridges Together. Keyword: Shared Site

Companions to Elders matches volunteers and elderly citizens within the Waltham community. Volunteers visit their companions weekly in assisted living facilities throughout Waltham. The program also has at least two group gatherings per semester at two nearby retirement communities.