Intergenerational Program Database

Our Intergenerational Program provides both elder volunteers and young people the opportunity to give back. We may provide transportation for elders who mentor students at a Chicago school, or we may provide volunteer opportunities to students who want to help with a special project that is created by the students and enjoyed by elders. Elders share their stories and students gain new perspectives, learn the value of volunteering and often have the opportunity to share their expertise with elders on topics from popular music to texting. We also provide support to teachers who wish to bring real-life history to the classroom, partner with the community, and promote the benefits of friendships between the old and young. Intergenerational Programs are limited only by imagination and interest, and can work for any age group.

Children ages 6-18 (as well as adults in the local community) are matched as reading and writing buddies with residents at the Clare Oaks Retirement Community. Participants read a children’s book and exchange monthly letters with their partners. Many adult participants are former teachers who enjoy the opportunity to use their skills to promote literacy for the youth. The young participants (many without access to grandparents or other older adults) enjoying getting to know an older adult. For further information see: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120716/news/707169930/ http://www.readingworldwide.com/index.php?id=51594

District 214 High School students and residents hold an annual spring prom organized by high school and older adult volunteers. The planning committee meets every two weeks to plan the prom. The first prom was held in the spring of 1989. The event allows people from different generations to be together, create and share memories. The district also offers an intergenerational computer class. The A-OK Home Maintenance program operates twice a year, in the spring and fall. Our high school students, under adult supervision, provide older, low-income adults who are at least 60 years old with small maintenance projects in their homes.

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois - 200 + RSVP older adult volunteers serve the community by mentoring, tutoring, and supervising in schools' afterschool programs, Kids Against Hunger projects, Parks and Rec. event assistance, children's literature fests, QC Youth Conference, 4-H, high school projects, adult literacy, CASA, children's museums, and more.

Children ages 6-18 and residents at the Clare Oaks Retirement Community are matched as reading and writing buddies.  Participants will read a children’s book and exchange letters monthly with their partners

Intergenerational fiction and non-fiction book groups meet once a month. People of all ages are invited to participate

An activity project that reaches across generations and teaches young people about growing older and the normal physical changes that occur with age. It also teaches those who come in contact with older citizens how to effectively communicate with them and serve their needs. U. if IL extension project 4-H awareness

The IEA/NEA SP and the IEA/NEA Retired Program have combined efforts to offer a mentoring program to students who are entering the field of education. This program offers students the opportunity to work with a retired teacher in a mentoring relationship.

H.O.M.E. helps Chicago’s low-income seniors maintain their independence by providing services unlike any organization in the City of Chicago. Intergenerationally, HOME maintains three intergenerational affordable houses where seniors choose between individual apartments or, for residents who need some assistance, shared living

The initiative brings together elementary school children, high school students and young adults from area colleges to the Addington Place community to spend time and develop new relationships. Activities vary and include craft making and reading, as well as community service projects, such as making fleece blankets for local hospitals.