Intergenerational Program Database

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.

Ruth's Table is a multigenerational arts center. Programs include art and wellness courses.

San Pasqual Academy is a first-in-the-nation residential education campus designed specifically for foster teens. The Academy provides foster teens with a stable, caring home, a quality, individualized education, and the skills needed for independent living. The San Pasqual Academy Neighbors (SPAN) intergenerational mentoring program brings foster youth and foster grandparents together in this warm and supportive community. Keyword: Shared Site

Seniors on Broadway is a shared-site CVLCC intergenerational program designed to foster intergenerational, school-based experiences that promote growth and understanding between children and older adults. In partnership with the Chula Vista Elementary School District, MAAC Project and the City of Chula Vista, a 41-unit, low-income senior housing complex was built on the grounds of the Chula Vista Learning Community Charter School.

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.

VIP is a junior board serving Meals on Wheels in San Diego and is comprised of young professionals. They volunteer the first Saturday of every month

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.

YCS programs engage youth in community service activities that promote increased awareness of the needs of their communities and the development of individual community service self-efficacy, and positive emotional and behavioral health. Many of these programs involve an intergenerational component including conversations with senior citizens and visits to senior centers

The East County Intergenerational Garden at Cuyamaca College is a place where preschoolers can learn about how food is grown and to enjoy healthy eating, all with the help of local senior volunteers.

The Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center has always enjoyed its reputation as a most active intergenerational center. Enhanced activity by all ages is evident here. The center is buzzing with activities for young and old including summer programs for grandchildren and grandparents.