Intergenerational Program Database

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois - 200 + RSVP older adult volunteers serve the community by mentoring, tutoring, and supervising in schools' afterschool programs, Kids Against Hunger projects, Parks and Rec. event assistance, children's literature fests, QC Youth Conference, 4-H, high school projects, adult literacy, CASA, children's museums, and more.

District 214 High School students and residents hold an annual spring prom organized by high school and older adult volunteers. The planning committee meets every two weeks to plan the prom. The first prom was held in the spring of 1989. The event allows people from different generations to be together, create and share memories. The district also offers an intergenerational computer class. The A-OK Home Maintenance program operates twice a year, in the spring and fall. Our high school students, under adult supervision, provide older, low-income adults who are at least 60 years old with small maintenance projects in their homes.

Connecting Generations invites senior citizens interested in learning how to use the Internet. The program is free and connects seniors one-on-one with student volunteers from Eastern Illinois University who will teach about Internet technology.

United Presbyterian Home (UPH) works with three levels of intergenerational activities. First, we have our own child daycare (UPH with Kids) for ages 6 weeks to 6 years. They have regular programs designed especially for those individuals living in our nursing facility. The children's presence on the nursing floor encourages residents to participate in activities and adds a smile to those suffering with Alzheimers and dementia. Also, it teaches the little ones about aging and acceptance of individuals that are elderly and/or impaired. Second, UPH works with the local grade schools to volunteer, help children read, and educate children about the aging process. This process establishes relationships that are beneficial for the children and for the UPH older adult residents. Third, we work with the high school: once a month the school principle brings kids to UPH to demonstrate areas or programs that they are working on in school. An open question and answer period is held during this monthly 30-60 minute program. Also, the high school music department and English department regularly share vocal programs and play excerpts that they are producing for the community. These programs provide an invaluable service to students and the elderly. Keyword: Shared Site

We have a unique opportunity for intergenerational activities being housed in The Life Center—a premier nursing and rehab facility.  The seniors and our children truly enjoy spending time together.  A few favorites are spring planting, holiday parades, music, and reading Keyword: Shared Site

The mission of Heartland Family Service is to strengthen individuals and families in our community through education, counseling, and support services.

The Broken Chord project involves the creation of a play about Alzheimer's Disease. In order to create this play the members must conduct interviews, re-tell experiences, and improvise new material. Part of this project involves the senior project, which is an intergenerational writing program between high school students and senior citizens. The goal is to use art to bridge the community's intergenerational gap. Students interview the adults about their lives and weave the stories into written portraits. This group also volunteers and provides service to the local senior centers and organizations. Proceeds from the events are donated to the senior organizations as well. Over $1000 have been donated to Iowa City Hospice, We Are Shelter House, Alzheimer's Association, The Center, Pathways, and Elder Services.

Unique program led by younger adults that increases access for at-risk older rural populations to sustainable, low cost, physical activity programming. The theory-based LIFE program aims to connect the generations, improving aging perceptions in young adult trainers while providing socialization for the older adult participants.

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.

Conference event entitled “Ties to the Land”-Your Family Forest Heritage: Planning for an Orderly Transition. An Intergenerational Family Forest Project