Intergenerational Program Database

Partners in Rhyme is an intergenerational poetry program where older adults explore poetry with either preschool children or high school students in their classroom. Each student is paired with an adult, and, throughout the six-week program, they work together so relationships can develop. Preschoolers work with their “buddies” to read picture books, complete a structured writing exercise and do a hands-on craft activity. In the process, they develop their phonetic awareness and interaction skills as well as their overall kindergarten readiness. The children invigorate the older adults. High school students read and discuss poetry that is relevant to both age groups. After a lively discussion that focuses on personal responses to a poem, everyone does some reflective and creative writing. The program helps students improve academic and communication skills while cultivating compassion for the growing aging population. Older adults claim that they feel useful and more connected to their community. Keyword: Shared Site

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.

Road Scholar Intergenerational Programs were designed for adults (grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, or authorized family friends) to participate in a learning adventure with their young relatives or friends. These programs allow older adults to get to know their younger generations better. Programs exist throughout the country.

Engineering students at Olin College, students at Wellesley and Babson partner with local community Councils on Aging for a course. Students come up with projects to allow seniors to age in place.

Intergenerational programs include a Grand-Friend Program with the Steward Elementary School in Topsfield, an annual Valentine Exchange between students and seniors ensuring that homebound seniors receive a valentine, and the S.C.A.D. Dinner - This Senior Citizen Appreciation Dinner is sponsored by the Student Council at Masconomet High School each March. Students provide dinner, entertainment and gifts to show their appreciation of senior citizens in the Tri-Town communities.

Simon C. Fireman Community is a subsidized independent housing complex for people 62 years of age and older. Fireman has developed a model partnership program with Curry College nursing students learning on-the-ground skills to become compassionate and knowledgeable care providers. In addition, the Fireman Community has a regular pen-pal program, a partnership with the Telem Jewish teen service initiative and regular multigenerational trip opportunities to connect residents with youth in the Greater Boston community. Keyword: Shared Site

music Unites is a multigenerational music program that operates from the premise that music can be a common denominator that unites us all, no matter our ages or backgrounds. Each week, local high school students teach older adults how to play musical instruments (voice, piano, guitar, and drums). Program participants are developing meaningful relationships with music as the medium; the high school students have become teachers and the older adults are realizing that there is no such thing as being "too old" when it comes to learning something new and achieving one's goals. Keyword: Shared Site

HRC Multigenerational programs include a weekly pre-school program in, Alzheimer’s Buddies with Harvard College, a partnership with Maimonides School (grades 3-6 for various programs throughout the year) for holiday celebrations and friendly visits and regular interns and volunteers from University of Massachusetts and Wheelock College. Keyword: Shared Site

What began in 1991 as an intergenerational program in one community has grown into Bridges Together, a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), dedicated to building bridges that unify children and older adults, one community at a time. We do this in three ways: 1) by developing and distributing innovative and effective intergenerational program manuals/ curricula 2) by educating professionals on why we need intergenerational programs and empowering them to develop effective ones 3) by coaching community leaders who want to create their own custom programs. Over the past 23 years, more than 10,000 children and older adults have experienced the power of Bridges Together. Keyword: Shared Site

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.