Intergenerational Program Database

At the Fernandez Center for Alternative Learning RSVP Workshop Mentoring Program, RSVP volunteers are making a difference with at-risk students by helping them discover the joy of learning through the use of power tools. Students learn about safety and complete basic woodworking projects. This "hands-on" type of learning also increases the students' self-esteem and confidence and instills a sense of pride in accomplishments. The volunteers provide a supportive environment by being patient and by understanding that the students have varying abilities and learn at different rates. The real benefit of this program is the mentoring and bonding that takes place between student and volunteer.

RSVP Kenosha mentoring program places RSVP volunteers in elementary and middle schools. They serve as role models and spend time once a week with their mentees in the classroom

The innovative RSVP PAWS for Reading program began in October, 2003 and aims to improve the literacy skills of children. RSVP volunteers visit elementary schools classrooms with their own pets students take turns reading to the animal. Research shows that children with poor reading skills and low self-esteem are often more willing to interact with an animal than with another person. It has proven to be a motivator for children who are reluctant to practice reading with an adult. This program is also available to non-RSVP volunteers who have a Certified Pet Therapy dog.

RSVP Reading Tutor program began in 1998 as a national initiative to ensure that every child reads well and independently by the end of third grade. Since the beginning, volunteers have been reading with first and second grade children in various schools. Most volunteers read with children for 90 minutes once a week. The attention of a caring volunteer results in students not only improving their reading scores on standardized tests, but also increasing their self-esteem as they become more confident readers.

This is a summer collaborative class including high school students from Milwaukee Public Schools and adult clients at St. Ann Center’s Bucyrus Campus. Together students and adults focus on creating art, utilizing technology, interviewing skills, and building relationships between generations. High school students introduce the adults to the basics of computer use and the Internet. In addition, they interview clients to gather life stories that are translated into art projects and memoir books which are given to each client participating in the program. The students get a chance to practice face-to-face communication with people from different cultures and generations. Adults get a chance to tell their life stories and share memories that serve has history lessons for the students. Keyword: Shared Site

A service learning program for youth ages 11 to 15, the Buddy Program is an educational mentoring project aimed at strengthening intergenerational relations and increasing respect for diversity. Run in collaboration with the Milwaukee County Department on Aging and local schools, the program connects youth with older adults and people with disabilities in Milwaukee area senior centers. The youth are involved in activities designed to re-enforce compassion and create a caring, peaceful community. The youth practice skills needed for future jobs, enhance their self-esteem, develop social skills and break down generational barriers through mutual respect and understanding. Intergenerational activities include assisting with lunch, reading stories, playing games, creating art, sharing life stories and participating in spiritual formation. Keyword: Shared Site

Hope & A Future currently operate a licensed Adult Family Home for frail seniors with live in interegenerational staff. We sponsor activities open to the surrounding community--including a monthly pot-luck and house concerts, quilting and exercise groups. Attendee age range is infants to 100 year olds. Grounds, garden and construction volunteer opportunities brought over 300 people of all ages in 2015. We are activily working on plans to build housing for independent seniors and young families interested in mentoring and support. This development is for people interested in intentional community and includes shared green space and a community building offering intergenerational services and fun! Here everyone helps and is helped while living, playing, working and dying in community. Keyword: Shared Site

Intergenerational Multi-Arts Program (IMAP) brings together students from Milwaukee schools and older adults from assisted living and adult day programs. The focus is to build community between intergenerational groups through the creative arts. The IMAP curriculum approaches intergenerational relationship-building from the theory that communities that share traditions and communicate through positive creative expression will be stronger and more connected.

In this afterschool program RSVP volunteers assist children with homework. The program has expanded since it's creation in 2009, and currently meets at 4 sites throughout West Virginia. In addition to homework help, the children receive a snack and free hot meal and participate in activities.

Support for grandfamilies: grandparents raising grandchildren. Provides resources for grandparents and grandchildren: support groups; counseling; caregiver training; case management; respite. Also provides resources to help grandparents obtain temporary guardianship of grandchildren.