Intergenerational Program Database

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.

Workforce Academy for Youth's (WAY) mission is to give foster youth the opportunity to learn and gain work experience to better prepare for a county position (or equivalent job) and/or to encourage him or her to continue his or her education. The County of San Diego implements WAY in September 2006 to provide workforce experience to you who are "aging out" of the foster care system and transitioning to self-sufficiency. WAY is a six-month paid internship program that provides employment, training, and mentorship to emancipating foster youth age 17-21. The program unites youth with older adult Life Skill Coaches to support the development of work and life skills.

Eskaton’s Intergenerational Initiative — with the theme “One Nation, Under Age” — encourages positive intergenerational relations by connecting the organization’s community living residents and homebased support participants with local schoolchildren and young adults. The Initiative features a wide array of mutually beneficial learning opportunities, as well as social, cultural and entertainment components. The Initiative’s premier program, Eskaton Kids Connection, partners a number of Eskaton communities with local elementary schools to create intergenerational friendships. Students and their older adult “buddies” meet regularly to read, write and share with one another. Eskaton also collaborates with California State University, Sacramento to offer gerontology, nursing and social work students the opportunity to earn credits and first-hand experience while living with older adults in an Eskaton community. Eskaton communities also sponsor “Senior Ball” events with local high schools; provide student internships; host art shows and student performances; plan and maintain gardens; and support local scout troops.

Law students develop key lawyering skills through representation of low-income elderly patients at a UCSF medical clinic. Students assist clients in legal issues related to health, such as advance health care planning, estate planning, and public benefits.

YouthServe is a program through a volunteer center dedicated to connecting youth ages 11-17 with rewarding community service projects across the Santa Cruz County area. The youth provide a senior tech day at the Santa Cruz senior computing center once a month. This is an opportunity for youth to help seniors navigate technology and stay connected with their community with their personal electronic devices. From email to ipads to smart phones.

A program developed to bridge the gap between generations. The mission of this program is a senior companionship volunteer program through YES. The youth provides services ranging from recreational activities, housekeeping and companionship. Services provided consist of gardening, cleaning, wood- stacking, laundry, bingo cards and scrabble. Every Saturday volunteers either go to a senior citizens home or and independent living facility and play games with seniors, help tidy up their apartments, or help with small task like filing papers. This program was developed to help break down stereotypes, spread positive messages about seniors, and work at reducing prejudice.