Intergenerational Program Database

The Leaf Raking Day, in November, provides free leaf raking services to older adults. Each year we encourage Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, schools and other groups to have their families participate with them. We usually have 50-75 homes in our community that need their leaves raked. We recruit the volunteers, assign the locations, and sponsor a breakfast for the volunteers. In the last 2 years, our volunteers have been between 200-300 people. In partnership with Connections, we also host Make a Difference Day in October; this event provides seniors with services to have outdoor chores done.

One of our most successful relationships has been cultivated with Judson’s Daily Enrichment Center where adult daycare participants with developmental disabilities are so excited and appreciative to have TIS students join them for craft projects and learning based enrichment activities. These visits were 2-3 times more frequent than our traditional facility visits, and facility staff confirmed that there was a significant increase in resident involvement and participation when TIS students were working with them, along with a notable reduction in stress. TIS students were among hundreds in the community and thousands across the country serving through this program. TIS students chose to visit local assisted living facilities to talk with seniors as part of the Business Volunteers Unlimited Global Youth Service Day. Students as teachers is where TIS students worked with National Black Caucus clients who were trying to reenter the workforce, but needed basic computer skills. Our students taught the seniors how to navigate the internet, create a resume in Word, and set up and use an email account.

The Intergenerational School (TIS) is a successful community public school located in Cleveland, Ohio. In this elementary school adults of all ages participate as co-learners in supporting life-long learning and spirited citizenship. The recipient of many local, national and international awards the model is now being replicated in Cleveland (Near West and Lakeshore Intergenerational Schools) and elsewhere. Studies demonstrate the value of the model for both children and elders, including those with cognitive challenges like dementia. The school has developed innovative programs in literacy, environment, health, information technology, and the arts. The school fosters collective wisdom in service of a sustainable future. Keyword: Shared Site

The OEA-Retired Intergenerational Mentoring Program is an ideal way for retired educators to continue their commitment to public education in Ohio, to the children who attend our schools, and to the pre-professionals who will benefit from their experience.

The Beacon After School Program is offered throughout the week by the Trinity Lutheran Church. The teachers share the love of Christ as they help with homework, tell Bible stories, and lead many exciting activities. This ministry began several years ago here and currently serves over forty children in grades K-4 from the Ashland City Schools. These elementary-aged children are referred to us by the Ashland schools' liaisons.

Dynamics Community Theater is an intergenerational volunteer program in the Tallmadge City Schools. It begins when each new cast and crew assembles– young people sitting with their peers and adults off to the side. Drawn together by the roles they play, they begin to interact. Both students and adults learn and grow from the experience. By the time they’ve taken their final bows, they are like family! Intergenerational friendships made during productions continue. More than 700 people from the ages of 3 to 80 have been involved in some capacity with one of our productions.

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.

You can change a life by providing the individual attention that helps children build confidence and success. Opportunities are available in Parma City Schools and 18 other U. S. cities. OASIS volunteer tutors are paired with children in grades K-3 who would benefit from a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Tutors are trained to work with kids using a proven approach to literacy that emphasizes reading, talking and writing. They meet with their students at least once a week throughout the school year, providing a caring, supportive environment where reading and language activities, keyed to the child’s interests, spark curiosity and learning.

You can change a life by providing the individual attention that helps children build confidence and success. Opportunities are available in Akron Public Schools and 18 other U. S. cities. OASIS volunteer tutors are paired with children in grades K-3 who would benefit from a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Tutors are trained to work with kids using a proven approach to literacy that emphasizes reading, talking and writing. They meet with their students at least once a week throughout the school year, providing a caring, supportive environment where reading and language activities, keyed to the child’s interests, spark curiosity and learning.

You can change a life by providing the individual attention that helps children build confidence and success. Opportunities are available in Wadsworth Public Schools and 18 other U. S. cities. OASIS volunteer tutors are paired with children in grades K-3 who would benefit from a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Tutors are trained to work with kids using a proven approach to literacy that emphasizes reading, talking and writing. They meet with their students at least once a week throughout the school year, providing a caring, supportive environment where reading and language activities, keyed to the child’s interests, spark curiosity and learning.