Intergenerational Program Database

These programs are not age specific; anyone can participate. Elder Buddies is a program for seniors who are feeling a little lonely, or who need a little help with minor things that they cannot do anymore (such as driving to the grocery store); often it's just chatting on the phone, grocery shopping, or sharing cookies and tea. Elder Buddies has volunteers who are happy to spend some time with seniors and help them out--It's all about companionship. Elder Buddies volunteers are matched up with compatible seniors. Seniors can have more than one Elder Buddies volunteer depending on the senior's needs. EAAA also has a minor home repair program for seniors called EZ Fix. The goal of this program is to help seniors safely remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Minor home repairs are provided by skilled volunteers, and client cost is calculated on a sliding fee scale based on income. Samples of the minor repairs our volunteers can make are: Fixing broken steps and weak floor boards; installing grab bars ; repairing light fixtures and leaking toilet valves; replacing storm windows and or screens; light yard work.

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

A program for our members to visit and engage seniors in interactive activities and games that encourage dialogue, movement and the expanding of perspectives. For example, girls will read stories to seniors, create holiday-themed projects and engage seniors in drawing comparisons from the past to the present.

The ABCD AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparents Program matches low-Income older adults, ages 55+, with children in schools, after school programs, Head Start centers, preschool, and day care centers to support children with special and exceptional needs. Foster grandparents serve for at least 15 hours per week in classrooms while earning a non taxable stipend and, for those eligible, meal & travel reimbursement. Foster grandparents provide extra care, attention and create meaningful relationships with children in order to improve their physical, mental, emotional and social development so they may grow to reach their maximum potential and become as independent as possible.

Easter Seals Serving DC|MD|VA Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Inter-generational Center has created an intergenerational program, in keeping with the community mission, that is impactful, innovative, and educational. When opposite generations engage, people are able to have more enriching experiences of autonomy, tolerance, acceptance, patience, caring and nurturing. All participants are given the opportunity to improve their cognitive ability, our activities help them to work on social and emotional, language and literacy, and behavioral skills. More overly, our program creates lasting friendships. Our Center improves the quality of life for participants of all ages by providing an opportunity for intergenerational engagement.

The JCA Heyman Interages Center has been dedicated to uniting the generations for over 25 years. The programs engage active older adult volunteers to deliver tutoring and mentoring services to at-risk youth, provide interactive programs for youth and frail elders in senior facilities and connect youth and older adults in various programs that enrich the lives of both generations.

Veterans In Partnership (VIP) is an after-school, STEM program, for disadvantaged middle-school students, in which retired veterans play a significant role as teachers and mentors. Veterans continue serving their country through youth development service, while receiving a bi-weekly stipend and steady employment. VIP brings two vulnerable groups together for a unique and innovative learning experience.

During nine months a year, the Ring House Activity Department works with "Technology Helper" students and teachers from the T & C Academy in Rockville to give our senior population learning opportunities with technical tools. The students and seniors have developed relationships and shared learning experiences together while creating a blog site. This intergenerational collaboration has expanded into summer sessions, musical performances, and an intergenerational garden. Each summer session incorporate opportunities for integrating language arts, public speaking, growing plants, and outdoor exercise. These sessions are documented with photography for an annual intergenerational exhibit open to the public.

Project SHARE is a program to enrich the lives of health-impaired seniors in adult day care centers and assisted living facilities. Project SHARE (Students Help And Reach Elders) brings children from pre-k through high school to the facilities to enjoy games, craft projects, music and dance programs with the residents. Makeover Madness, a special program of Project SHARE, brings adults from senior facilities to the Thomas Edison High School of Technology for cosmetic services and friendly conversation with the students.

Makeover Madness brings older adults from adult day care centers for a day of pampering by cosmetology students. Volunteers manage the program by coordinating with cosmetology teachers and adult day care staff, organizing the appointments, and engaging with the older adults while they wait for their service.