Intergenerational Program Database

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.

The mentoring program is designed to connect participants from all generations to our community's more experienced leaders. This intergenerational program creates meaningful personal connections and peer mentoring opportunities in a small group setting that ensures personal interactions with mentors in our community.

The Family Folk Machine is an intergenerational, non-auditioned choir supported by the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center that welcomes kids and adults of all ages and backgrounds to sing together with a folk band. We seek to build community through singing songs with our neighbors, to explore American history and culture through song, to foster individual musical growth, and to pursue excellence as an ensemble.

Hope Meadows is an innovative residential community – a five-block small-town neighborhood where children adopted from foster care find permanent and loving homes, as well as grandparents, playmates and an entire neighborhood designed to help them grow up in a secure and nurturing environment. Residents belong to one of three groups often at risk of being marginalized in American society — kids caught in the child welfare system, families that adopt children with special behavioral and emotional needs, and retirees who are seeking continued purpose in their daily lives. Keyword: Shared Site

One of the benefits of serving seniors and children on one campus is that our WELC children visit with the "Grandmas and Grandpas" of Hearthstone regularly.  Intergenerational activities include show and tell, arts and crafts, singing, exercising, cooking, and reading with the seniors.

Young at Heart Center is located within the same building as Libertyville Manor providing a setting that supports the concepts of Intergenerational programming. This program, titled B.G.G. or Bridging the Generation Gap, consists of children ages 2-6 years and older adults participating in activities. The age groups meet weekly on an ongoing basis to enjoy interactions and activities during a supervised gathering. Art, gardening, bubbles, and music are only a few examples of the planned themes these two groups enjoy. Additionally, Young at Heart Center and Libertyville Manor host a few annual Intergenerational events: Family Picnic, Ice Cream Social, Carnival and Fall Festival

Aging parents who need assistance during the day and their young children enjoy intergenerational activities. Older adults share their knowledge and life experiences with young children, while children bring joy to the older adults. It's a win-win situation for both generations.

Actualized care for seniors and preschoolers has been facilitated by NVMC by providing and financially supporting the physical venue for a day care center for the community's elderly and a preschool for young children.