Intergenerational Program Database

A service learning program for youth ages 11 to 15, the Buddy Program is an educational mentoring project aimed at strengthening intergenerational relations and increasing respect for diversity. Run in collaboration with the Milwaukee County Department on Aging and local schools, the program connects youth with older adults and people with disabilities in Milwaukee area senior centers. The youth are involved in activities designed to re-enforce compassion and create a caring, peaceful community. The youth practice skills needed for future jobs, enhance their self-esteem, develop social skills and break down generational barriers through mutual respect and understanding. Intergenerational activities include assisting with lunch, reading stories, playing games, creating art, sharing life stories and participating in spiritual formation. Keyword: Shared Site

This is a summer collaborative class including high school students from Milwaukee Public Schools and adult clients at St. Ann Center’s Bucyrus Campus. Together students and adults focus on creating art, utilizing technology, interviewing skills, and building relationships between generations. High school students introduce the adults to the basics of computer use and the Internet. In addition, they interview clients to gather life stories that are translated into art projects and memoir books which are given to each client participating in the program. The students get a chance to practice face-to-face communication with people from different cultures and generations. Adults get a chance to tell their life stories and share memories that serve has history lessons for the students. Keyword: Shared Site

Support for grandfamilies: grandparents raising grandchildren. Provides resources for grandparents and grandchildren: support groups; counseling; caregiver training; case management; respite. Also provides resources to help grandparents obtain temporary guardianship of grandchildren.

The Alliance for Strong Families and Communities has launched a network-wide intergenerational initiative, Second Acts for Strong Communities, in partnership with Encore.org, to strengthen the ability of human-serving organizations to meet the needs of our nation’s children and youth. This initiative will provide opportunities for experienced adults, age 50 years and older, to use their unique skills, experiences, and wisdom to improve outcomes for children/youth and strengthen the organizations that serve them. We believe that bringing generations together in community-based programs and the workplace will inspire new solutions, improve outcomes for youth, and fuel a new approach for promoting social change. Keyword: Shared Site

LINK-ages consists of school and community people committed to expanding intergenerational activities in the DeForest area since 1992. Its mission is to develop and support programs and activities in the schools and community that mutually benefit students, families, and older adults. Programs include Meals on Wheels, Senior Prom, reading programs and an annual bingo party.

The Intergenerational Program gives residents and children the opportunity to form close friendships that span many generations. One program within the Intergenerational Program, called Read-To-Me, encourages kids to read out loud to the residents in a relaxed, low-stress environment. Students from Pierce Elementary School make quarterly visits to the Jewish Home and Care Center to participate in the Read-To-Me Program. This vital exercise builds the confidence of the students and strengthens their reading skills and ability. Additionally, the residents gain a sense of purpose and usefulness in helping the students achieve their academic goals. Another program within the Intergenerational Program gives middle school students from Hillel Academy the opportunity to conduct formal and informal interviews with residents of Chai Point Senior Living. The students use the information and stories from the interviews to create meaningful classroom lessons in research, personal and cultural history while learning methodologies in expository writing.

The mission of the Plymouth Intergenerational Coalition is to maintain and promote opportunities that build and honor relationships between generations through positive social and educational experiences. Keyword: Shared Site

Students from Rosenow Elementary School make monthly visits to Lakeview to visit, share refreshments, make cards and pictures and spend quality time chatting with their senior buddy.

The Intergenerational Program connects older adults with children and youth in Dane County. Intergenerational volunteers work with students across Dane County, volunteering as tutors, computer buddies, guest speakers, and as support to students in the classroom. Intergenerational volunteers also work with children at various community nonprofit organizations in Dane County.

Grandparent/grandchild camp is a half week day camp for grades K-up. Adults and children camp in our campground with their equipment. Grandparents and grandchildren will join our staff who provide programs that encourage fellowship and interaction. Two lunches are included for the children and grandparents. There are optional activities for adults during the day.