Intergenerational Program Database

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts serves more than 108,000 individuals facing food insecurity, 33 percent of whom are children under the age of 18. Not eating enough healthy foods can have devastating effects on a child’s health, growth and development—both physical and mental. Intergenerational Community Meals is a healthy cooking workshop series targeted at families with members of all ages. The workshops cover topics related to nutrition, healthy eating habits, cooking at home, shopping on a budget, and physical activity. During each class, a meal is prepared, and everyone is involved in its preparation. At the end of each class, participating families get to take home a bag of groceries so they can replicate the recipe at home.

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.

CCB partners with elementary schools, high schools and colleges for intergenerational programs.

Generations works toward bridging the gap between senior citizens and college students. Students and seniors meet for social events at Brandeis and the seniors’ home in Newton.

Generations Together is a program at JCHE (independent, affordable housing for seniors). Youth from preschool age to medical school students participate in intergenerational programs with residents at JCHE on a weekly, monthly, and bimonthly basis.

We're pleased to be able to offer intergenerational get together between the students of Hoyle School and our seniors. Recent visits have included story reading and Presidential skits. It's always a special day when the students visit and a good time is had by all.

Program at Kids Ink Too that matches school-aged children with a "gramp" at Sunrise Assisted Living. They are penpals; they exchange gifts, spend time together, and bond when they swap visits.

The high school student council provides a Senior Citizen Brunch for elders in the community to visit the high school, enjoy a meal, and spend a few hours interacting with the high school students. This event is coordinated by the high school students in collaboration with the Lakeville Senior Center and Freetown Council on Aging.

Through the Intergenerational Matching Program volunteers are matched with elder friends to develop long-term relationships. Volunteers commit to visit regularly, 3 - 4 hours a month. The value of the personal connection of the visitor and the elder cannot be underestimated. The elders in this program are the most vulnerable. In addition to friendly chats, watching movies and going for walks, elders may be assisted by their “visiting friends” with the daily challenges of living independently.

The Memory Café is a welcoming place for people with dementia and their care partners. Once a month students from Brandeis University meet with seniors with dementia. Participants enjoy coffee, refreshments, and conversation with new friends. Guest artists share their work each month and lead participatory experiences.