Intergenerational Program Database

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

The mission of the Intergenerational Urban Institute at Worcester State University is to harness the combined talents of college students of all ages to meet the challenges that face our urban environment. By creating a learning community of young, middle aged, and elder students, the IUI fosters growth in knowledge, skill development and interpersonal relationships that enable people to work effectively in service in the greater Worcester community. Programs include a Garden for All Ages, an English Language Learner tutoring program, and a Hunger Outreach Team among others.  

For 10 consecutive weeks, students from the Dedham Middle School come to the Hebrew SeniorLife campus at NewBridge on the Charles to engage in activities with residents in the Memory Support (dementia) unit of our Health Care Center. This program is modeled after a similar initiative with the Rashi School, a K-8 Jewish Day School that shares a campus with NewBridge on the Charles. With both school communities, students are trained to work with Alzheimer's and dementia patients, and help lead weekly activities to stimulate residents' bodies and minds. Keyword: Shared Site

The Dance Generators are a group of dancers in their teens, 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's who come together through a shared commitment to innovative theater making. The Dance Generators give both dancers and spectators the opportunity to see and understand that dance need not be limited to young people. Through their creative process, the company reclaims dance as an art form for diverse bodies. Keyword: Shared Site

Habitat Intergenerational Program (HIP) promotes awareness and conservation of the natural environment through educational programs and community service projects coordinated by Massachusetts Audubon’s Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary. Community service and educational activities take place within the 84-acre sanctuary and out in the surrounding communities. HIP activities bring people of all ages together to work on a variety of environmental service projects: removing invasive species, helping to rejuvenate a pond, restoring walking trails, and creating wildlife habitat areas at schools using only native plants. HIP programs and partnerships include Cherney Middle School, Herb Study Group, Pulling Partners, Just For You, Winter Senior Project, HIP Family Bird Walks, HIP Spring and Fall Trails Days, and the HIP Steering Committee.