Intergenerational Program Database

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

ABCD's Elder Services Department manages and administrates intergenerational programs, including a Foster Grandparent Program, and senior services to help empower older citizens to prevent illness and disability and maintain optimum well-being. Keyword: Shared Site

The ABCD AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent 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 new Plymouth Council on Aging Center is located nearby Plymouth North High School. Students visit the center twice a month during meal times and perform for the seniors. Keyword: Shared Site

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.

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.

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.

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 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.