Intergenerational Program Database

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.

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.

Sages & Seekers is a non-profit organization designed to bridge the generational gap between our two most vulnerable and neglected age groups, seniors and teens, in order to generate the exchange of valuable wisdom, strengthen community, and dissolve age-related segregation. Seniors and teens spend 8 weeks sharing stories.

La Mesa's Intergenerational Safe Routes to School Volunteer Program is designed to increase safety measures near our elementary and middle schools and help ease parents' concerns about their children walking or biking to school. The program recruits active older adults (50 years and older) and trains them on pedestrian and bicycle safety and the importance of physical activity for health.

Roots and Shoots is an intergenerational gardening program that consists of the Roots, community volunteers, and the Shoots, Palo Alto third graders, who work together to learn about gardening, our environment, nutrition and community. The Shoots learn about science concepts through garden-based lessons and hands-on activities. Together, the Roots and Shoots help maintain the Edible Garden by planting, weeding, composting, and harvesting produce to prepare and enjoy a weekly healthy snack, donating the remaining harvest to local food banks. By working together, the Shoots learn the many benefits and importance of volunteering and giving back to the community. In recent years, the group has donated 300 lbs of fresh, organically grown fruits and vegetables annually.

The annual Walk of Ages is a family oriented event that raises much needed funds for the Jewish Home. Walkers and runners of all ages collect donations from sponsors for this fun event.

The Next Chapter enables high school youth to develop profound connections to the Holocaust by interviewing survivors. By participating in the program, students create a special relationship with a local survivor.

Computer Help for Adults/Seniors-Teens help senior citizens and adults learn how to use the Internet, email, word processing, and gadgets such as cell phones and digital cameras. Occurs at China Town, Sunset, Ortega, Portola branches.

The East County Intergenerational Garden at Cuyamaca College is a place where preschoolers can learn about how food is grown and to enjoy healthy eating, all with the help of local senior volunteers.

Ruth's Table is a multigenerational arts center. Programs include art and wellness courses.