Intergenerational Program Database

AGE to age: bringing generations together is an intergenerational grassroots initiative of the Northland Foundation designed to connect youth with older adults to build relationships and enhance their communities. This initiative provides an avenue for different generations to overcome age stereotypes, establish friendships, and pool their strengths for civic good. Over 1,200 people age 55+ and 2,400 youth, and 1,300 adults from the generations in between have been touched by this program, and momentum continues to grow. The AGE to age “secret of success” lies in nurturing respectful relationships and empowering communities to embrace the unique talents of all ages.

TowerLight houses Independent, Assisted, and Memory Care Seniors in a campus that include an Early Childhood Center. Daily interaction and activities with 2 generations brings this campus to life. Keyword: Shared Site

meet with the same residents each month so a therapeutic relationship can be

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) program provides grandparents, and other relatives caring for children, with information about self-care, children’s needs, and the assurance that families with generational gaps are not alone. Services include: Support groups that provide a sense of community for caregivers and the children in their care Newsletter with valuable updates on free and low-cost events and info around Washtenaw County Educational workshops and presentations to equip grandparents to better care for themselves and their grandchildren Resources, including financial assistance, clothing, food, etc.

Older adults tutor, mentor, and read with children in the community.

GrandparentsU is a summer camp that brings grandparents and their grandkids together for three days of fun on the campus of CMU. This experience includes hands-on educational sessions conducted by faculty members along with other fun activities for grandparents and children ages 8 to 12.

KAIROS alive! uses dance and storytelling to create a sense of community and well-being in participants of all ages and walks of life. It is the only intergenerational modern dance company in MN. Ages range from 7 to 98.

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.

These programs are not age specific; anyone can participate. Elder Buddies is a program for seniors who are feeling a little lonely, or who need a little help with minor things that they cannot do anymore (such as driving to the grocery store); often it's just chatting on the phone, grocery shopping, or sharing cookies and tea. Elder Buddies has volunteers who are happy to spend some time with seniors and help them out--It's all about companionship. Elder Buddies volunteers are matched up with compatible seniors. Seniors can have more than one Elder Buddies volunteer depending on the senior's needs. EAAA also has a minor home repair program for seniors called EZ Fix. The goal of this program is to help seniors safely remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Minor home repairs are provided by skilled volunteers, and client cost is calculated on a sliding fee scale based on income. Samples of the minor repairs our volunteers can make are: Fixing broken steps and weak floor boards; installing grab bars ; repairing light fixtures and leaking toilet valves; replacing storm windows and or screens; light yard work.

Broadreach partners with the PAWS Animal Shelter and Quarry Hill retirement facility to deliver the Pet A Pet program.  Our teens and shelter cats and dogs make weekly visits to elders in an assisted living facility. This project benefits teens as they experience responsibility, commitment and compassion; it provides the elders with warmth and companionship of young people and animals; and it benefits the animals by increasing their socialization - thus their ability to be adopted.