Intergenerational Program Database

A student organization responding to the profound isolation and social disengagement experienced by people in the intermediate-to-late-stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We build meaningful emotional connections with dementia residents during weekly one-on-one visits

Partners in Rhyme is an intergenerational poetry program where older adults explore poetry with either preschool children or high school students in their classroom. Each student is paired with an adult, and, throughout the six-week program, they work together so relationships can develop. Preschoolers work with their “buddies” to read picture books, complete a structured writing exercise and do a hands-on craft activity. In the process, they develop their phonetic awareness and interaction skills as well as their overall kindergarten readiness. The children invigorate the older adults. High school students read and discuss poetry that is relevant to both age groups. After a lively discussion that focuses on personal responses to a poem, everyone does some reflective and creative writing. The program helps students improve academic and communication skills while cultivating compassion for the growing aging population. Older adults claim that they feel useful and more connected to their community. Keyword: Shared Site

A program for our members to visit and engage seniors in interactive activities and games that encourage dialogue, movement and the expanding of perspectives. For example, girls will read stories to seniors, create holiday-themed projects and engage seniors in drawing comparisons from the past to the present.

The ABCD AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparents Program matches low-Income older adults, ages 55+, with children in schools, after school programs, Head Start centers, preschool, and day care centers to support children with special and exceptional needs. Foster grandparents serve for at least 15 hours per week in classrooms while earning a non taxable stipend and, for those eligible, meal & travel reimbursement. Foster grandparents provide extra care, attention and create meaningful relationships with children in order to improve their physical, mental, emotional and social development so they may grow to reach their maximum potential and become as independent as possible.

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.

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