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.

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.

Both grandparents (other family members) and children develop a deeper understanding of the commonalities and differences between generations, ultimately capturing knowledge and values that otherwise may not be transferred. Grandparents, family members, and special friends will experience, first hand, the wonders of our performing arts program as students share various performances from Kindergarten through 8th grade. From here, visitors will spend time with students in the classroom space, participate in specially designed activities, and leave engaged and inspired to learn even more together in the future.

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

The Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center has always enjoyed its reputation as a most active intergenerational center. Enhanced activity by all ages is evident here. The center is buzzing with activities for young and old including summer programs for grandchildren and grandparents.

San Pasqual Academy is a first-in-the-nation residential education campus designed specifically for foster teens. The Academy provides foster teens with a stable, caring home, a quality, individualized education, and the skills needed for independent living. The San Pasqual Academy Neighbors (SPAN) intergenerational mentoring program brings foster youth and foster grandparents together in this warm and supportive community. Keyword: Shared Site