Intergenerational Program Database

Sauk Trail fourth-grade students and senior citizens from around the area teamed up on a project this past year that combined art and the environment. The result was more than 60 pieces of art that demonstrated the students’ concern about the importance of preserving local nature. The program began by observing and discussing nature, wildlife, and habitats seen at Pheasant Branch Conservancy. The students then spent an afternoon interviewing senior citizens at Middleton Glen Retirement Community, Heritage Senior Living, and Middleton Senior Center to hear what the environment was like when the seniors were fourth-graders. Back in the classroom, students discussed what they learned, along with what has changed in nature, the environment, and in life. They agreed there is a strong need to protect natural resources for future generations. Students in each of the three fourth-grade classrooms created a booklet, drawing a scene from nature for each letter of the alphabet and writing about it.

Three days of full-filled, educational activities offer a memorable family bonding experience while participants are re-living 18th-century life on a Virginia plantation. The suggested child age is 1st grade completed through age 12.

In our intergenerational puppet programs, seniors used their wide experience to help the elementary students learn elementary theater skills—sewing costumes, building shadow puppets, cutting shapes, drawing, designing sets. The students, without knowing it, gave the seniors a sense of excitement, purpose, and a reason to look forward to a new day. For

Volunteers help elders with seasonal tasks such as raking leaves, cleaning out gutters, mowing lawns, etc. Benefits include the opportunity to exercise and spend time outdoors, in addition to enjoying a relationship that is rewarding to both you and your new friend. Additional benefits include seeing the difference you make in someone's life, contributing to the greater good of your community, obtaining experience working with seniors, and receiving ongoing support and recognition from CVAA staff. Seniors reside in Chittenden, Addison, Franklin and Grand Isle counties.

Often, some of our AmeriCorps members are under the age of 25. They provide support to older and disabled adults through direct service projects and collaborative efforts with schools, churches, etc. There are several instances of local schools in our area providing support to senior centers and senior meal programs. Support includes assistance with dining room and kitchen chores and musical performances. Additionally, a young person in the home schooled community helps deliver meals on wheels.

Children (0 – 3), together with an adult caregiver, will be a part of the intergenerational village.

Preschool and Pre-K students at all three of our care centers benefit from intergenerational enrichment programing with seniors at Martha & Mary in Poulsbo and local senior living centers in Silverdale. Blending the excitement of children with the wisdom of our elders, the two groups meet up weekly to enjoy arts & crafts projects, games, songs, gardening and dining. Our signature Intergenerational Program provides a unique opportunity for the generations to interact and learn from one another. Keyword: Shared Site

The St. Francis intergenerational program provides a wonderful opportunity for children and residents to establish nurturing relationships through spontaneous interactions and a variety of planned activities at senior’s discretion. Intergenerational activities range from a hug, a song, a storytelling session, to art projects, baking projects and even walks in the neighborhood.

Josie's Learning Center serves infants, toddlers, and school age children from our community. The Learning Center provides a wide range of child care services ranging from infant day care, preschool learning, after school care, and ECEAP Preschool. The Learning Center program is integrated throughout our building with four designated classroom spaces and shared dining room, dayroom, and activity areas. The children learn important lessons from residents in assisted living, transitional care and long term care, while at the same time, enriching and energizing the life of our home. Keyword: Shared Site

Children and residents of assisted living and long-term care facility interact