Intergenerational Program Database

What began in 1991 as an intergenerational program in one community has grown into Bridges Together, a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), dedicated to building bridges that unify children and older adults, one community at a time. We do this in three ways: 1) by developing and distributing innovative and effective intergenerational program manuals/ curricula 2) by educating professionals on why we need intergenerational programs and empowering them to develop effective ones 3) by coaching community leaders who want to create their own custom programs. Over the past 23 years, more than 10,000 children and older adults have experienced the power of Bridges Together. Keyword: Shared Site

The mission of the Intergenerational Urban Institute at Worcester State University is to harness the combined talents of college students of all ages to meet the challenges that face our urban environment. By creating a learning community of young, middle aged, and elder students, the IUI fosters growth in knowledge, skill development and interpersonal relationships that enable people to work effectively in service in the greater Worcester community. Programs include a Garden for All Ages, an English Language Learner tutoring program, and a Hunger Outreach Team among others.  

For 10 consecutive weeks, students from the Dedham Middle School come to the Hebrew SeniorLife campus at NewBridge on the Charles to engage in activities with residents in the Memory Support (dementia) unit of our Health Care Center. This program is modeled after a similar initiative with the Rashi School, a K-8 Jewish Day School that shares a campus with NewBridge on the Charles. With both school communities, students are trained to work with Alzheimer's and dementia patients, and help lead weekly activities to stimulate residents' bodies and minds. Keyword: Shared Site

The Dance Generators are a group of dancers in their teens, 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's who come together through a shared commitment to innovative theater making. The Dance Generators give both dancers and spectators the opportunity to see and understand that dance need not be limited to young people. Through their creative process, the company reclaims dance as an art form for diverse bodies. Keyword: Shared Site

Habitat Intergenerational Program (HIP) promotes awareness and conservation of the natural environment through educational programs and community service projects coordinated by Massachusetts Audubon’s Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary. Community service and educational activities take place within the 84-acre sanctuary and out in the surrounding communities. HIP activities bring people of all ages together to work on a variety of environmental service projects: removing invasive species, helping to rejuvenate a pond, restoring walking trails, and creating wildlife habitat areas at schools using only native plants. HIP programs and partnerships include Cherney Middle School, Herb Study Group, Pulling Partners, Just For You, Winter Senior Project, HIP Family Bird Walks, HIP Spring and Fall Trails Days, and the HIP Steering Committee.

Swampscott High School and Council on Aging share a physical location. High school students occasionally volunteer at the COA, but an annual pen pal/book exchange program with the elementary school children is established.

The senior center participates in various intergenerational programs throughout the year however, the seniors consistently support youth through the Newborn Welcome program and Scouting Award Sponsorship. All newborns in the town receive a package including a handmade knitted hat and other assorted items. The seniors also sponsor Boy and Girls Scouts pursuing Eagle and Gold awards providing the opportunity for intergenerational collaboration.

Pleasant Bay Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has a preschool on site. The residents and preschoolers enjoy intergenerational activities together.

Our Intergenerational Program provides unique opportunities for the integration of the young and old; holidays, arts and crafts, music and stories create special moments. We bring the innocence of youth and the experience of age together in ways that rarely happen in childcare centers.

Generations Incorporated engages older adults (ages 50+) as literacy volunteers to children in kindergarten through grade three. We serve in 17 public elementary schools and after-school programs (called partner sites) in low-income communities. Our highly trained volunteers provide one-on-one and small group literacy support to students – all are at-risk of school failure and 80% are low-income. Our results-driven programs generate strong intergenerational relationships that get results and improve lives.