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.

The Intergenerational Program gives residents and children the opportunity to form close friendships that span many generations. One program within the Intergenerational Program, called Read-To-Me, encourages kids to read out loud to the residents in a relaxed, low-stress environment. Students from Pierce Elementary School make quarterly visits to the Jewish Home and Care Center to participate in the Read-To-Me Program. This vital exercise builds the confidence of the students and strengthens their reading skills and ability. Additionally, the residents gain a sense of purpose and usefulness in helping the students achieve their academic goals. Another program within the Intergenerational Program gives middle school students from Hillel Academy the opportunity to conduct formal and informal interviews with residents of Chai Point Senior Living. The students use the information and stories from the interviews to create meaningful classroom lessons in research, personal and cultural history while learning methodologies in expository writing.

Volunteers partner with students in grades three through six for after-school programs. The volunteers model and teach fun, healthy activities and hobbies in small groups in the school. Hobbies taught include: making nutritious snacks, collecting (stamps, coins, sports cards), crafting, the art of clowning and needlework. RSVP volunteers fill the community need to provide structured after-school activities while students learn they are valued by adults in their communities.

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.

The Intergenerational Program connects older adults with children and youth in Dane County. Intergenerational volunteers work with students across Dane County, volunteering as tutors, computer buddies, guest speakers, and as support to students in the classroom. Intergenerational volunteers also work with children at various community nonprofit organizations in Dane County.

LINK-ages consists of school and community people committed to expanding intergenerational activities in the DeForest area since 1992. Its mission is to develop and support programs and activities in the schools and community that mutually benefit students, families, and older adults. Programs include Meals on Wheels, Senior Prom, reading programs and an annual bingo party.

In B.A.B.E.S (Beginning Alcohol and Addictions Basic Education Studies)trained volunteers use animal puppets to educate students about substance abuse, coping skills and peer pressure. Senior volunteers serve as role models, developing caring relationships with students over the course of the five weeks they are in the classroom.

Grandparent/grandchild camp is a half week day camp for grades K-up. Adults and children camp in our campground with their equipment. Grandparents and grandchildren will join our staff who provide programs that encourage fellowship and interaction. Two lunches are included for the children and grandparents. There are optional activities for adults during the day.

Grandparents' University is designed for children ages 7-14 accompanied by their grandparent(s). All are welcome to participate! Classes will be offered in various classrooms across the UW-Green Bay campus.

CATCH brings children and adults age 50+ together to learn good eating and physical activity habits for a lifetime. The program combats obesity by engaging adults age 50+ as mentors to teach healthy lifelong habits to kids in grades K-5. Adults in the program benefit in several ways. Research shows that volunteers have lower rates of depression and mortality and greater functional ability than those who do not volunteer. As they promote healthy habits for kids and for themselves, they also experience the rewards of meaningful community service.