Intergenerational Program Database

Shepherd’s Flock has a unique intergenerational program. Children and Lutheran Home residents (the children refer to residents as “grandmas” and “grandpas”) participate in a variety of planned, on-site activities such as art, music, stories, and games. In the chapel of the Lutheran Home, special events are held for children and their grandmas and grandpas to enjoy together, such as the annual Easter Egg Hunt, a 4th of July parade, and a Christmas program. Keyword: Shared Site

Maple Lawn's vision for beginning a children's center with an intergenerational program is a life enrichment experience for both the young and old. Each age group at Noah's Ark (child care center) interacts with seniors living throughout the Maple Lawn community. Planned activities along with impromptu visits foster relationships of unconditional love and acceptance.

The nationally prominent Condell Day Center for Intergenerational Care, located at the Condell Medical Center provides all-day care for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years old, (Child Day Care), Adult (Adult Day Services) and adults over 18 years old in need of outpatient rehab services. Along with the benefit of high-quality care, this unique center also offers the unequaled benefits of interaction between adults and children, creating an environment in which children and adults can form relationships by learning and sharing together on a daily basis.

Local colleges and school systems partner to provide services on site.

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

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.

We recruit and train volunteers to visit and befriend isolated older adults in our community. About 35% of our volunteers are undergraduate students from Northwestern University. In addition, we have high school seniors who help create and present entertainment and group visits to older adults during the holiday season. We also have young families with children befriend a senior for an on-going one hour a week friendship.

Our seniors and youth have worked together on the following: - Youth Farmers Market (Gary Comer Youth Center) - African American History Month Theater Performances (Holman Leadership Academy) - Intergenerational Conference/Workshops(Metropolitan Area Group Igniting Civilization and Gary Comer Youth Academy) - Oral History Project (South Shore High School) - Older Adults Raising Children Support Group (City Contract with Salvation Army)

Our Youth in Service Program engages groups of 8- to 18-year-olds in meaningful volunteer opportunities throughout the city of Chicago. These customized service projects and programs are built, based on the interests and schedule of our youth group, to meet a critical need in Chicago. We work to ensure that students are educated about social issues, engaged in meaningful service and empowered to be agents of change in their community long after their time serving with Chicago Cares is over. Some of our most popular projects include: Senior Breakfast Clubs: Prepare a hot meal for low-income seniors and facilitate intergenerational activities; Environmental Projects: Help maintain the city’s green space through the removal of invasive plant species, trash clean up and planting; Hunger Programs: Sort and pack food at a food bank or prepare and serve food at a soup kitchen; Working with Adults with Disabilities: Use your creative juices to put on an arts and crafts fair for the clients at a day-time work center for adults with disabilities