Intergenerational Program Database

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.

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 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.

Program at Kids Ink Too that matches school-aged children with a "gramp" at Sunrise Assisted Living. They are penpals; they exchange gifts, spend time together, and bond when they swap visits.

The high school student council provides a Senior Citizen Brunch for elders in the community to visit the high school, enjoy a meal, and spend a few hours interacting with the high school students. This event is coordinated by the high school students in collaboration with the Lakeville Senior Center and Freetown Council on Aging.

Through the Intergenerational Matching Program volunteers are matched with elder friends to develop long-term relationships. Volunteers commit to visit regularly, 3 - 4 hours a month. The value of the personal connection of the visitor and the elder cannot be underestimated. The elders in this program are the most vulnerable. In addition to friendly chats, watching movies and going for walks, elders may be assisted by their “visiting friends” with the daily challenges of living independently.

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.

This annual event brings together volunteers of all ages with seniors in various JF&CS programs. Volunteers assist in transporting elders to and from their homes, as well as singing. The generations celebrate the holiday together.

Designed to provide Boston teens with quality after-school arts programming and leadership training. The Peace Drum Project helps teens from different backgrounds, schools, and neighborhoods develop artistic, problem solving and critical thinking skills together.