For Immediate Release
February 1, 2025
Generations United Recognizes a Record-Breaking Thirty-Four Exemplary Programs Connecting Younger and Older People
WASHINGTON, DC (February 1, 2025) – Generations United has awarded 34 outstanding intergenerational programs the prestigious Intergenerational Program Certification, recognizing their success in fostering meaningful connections between younger and older generations. These programs exemplify innovation and effectiveness in strengthening intergenerational relationships.
“We are thrilled to see the continued growth of programs dedicated to high-quality intergenerational practices and congratulate these programs on achieving this well-deserved distinction,” said Donna Butts, Executive Director of Generations United. “Earning this recognition is a significant accomplishment. The Intergenerational Program Certification is the only nationally recognized seal of approval for intergenerational programs in the U.S., and its rigorous application and review process make this achievement especially meaningful.”
Recognizing Excellence in Intergenerational Programs
This year, 16 programs received the distinguished Program of Distinction designation, which signifies the highest standards of intergenerational effectiveness, sustainability, and measurable outcomes.
2024 Program of Distinction Designees:
- All Seasons Preschool, Inver Grove Heights, MN
- ARISE – Arts Through Intergenerational Social Engagement, Columbus, OH
- El Buen Samaritano Juntos: Sharing Our Stories, Austin, TX
- Engaging Generations Cyber-Seniors Program at the University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
- Grandfriend Program at The Lerner Early Childhood Center at Congregation Agudath Israel, Caldwell, NJ
- The InterGen Program at the West Hollywood Community Housing Corporation, West Hollywood, CA
- KEEP, Eugene, OR
- The LGBTQ+ Intergenerational Dialogue Project, Chicago, IL
- Lifting Hearts with the Arts, Chicago, IL
- New Life Village, Tampa, FL
- The Oasis Institute Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring, St. Ann, MO
- Scripps Gerontology Center ScrippsAVID, Oxford, OH
- Sequoia Living Intergenerational Program, San Francisco, CA
- SilverKite® Intergenerational Programs, Seattle, WA
- The Legacy Project, Inc. Canton, MA
- Westminster Canterbury Richmond, Richmond, VA
In addition, 18 programs earned the Program of Merit designation, recognizing their commitment to intergenerational best practices and ongoing efforts to achieve exemplary status.
2024 Program of Merit Designees:
- Cabinet for Older New Yorkers Combating Ageism: It Starts with Education!, New York, NY
- Cabinet for Older New Yorkers My NY Story: Cultivating Intergenerational Community Connections, New York, NY
- Chicago Methodist Senior Services Senior Connections, Chicago, IL
- City of Albuquerque Foster Grandparent Program, Albuquerque, NM
- Council on Aging Tellegacy & Lunch Companion Program, Santa Rosa, CA
- Ebenezer Ridges Intergenerational Day Program, Burnsville, MN
- GlamourGals, New York, NY
- The Heart of Ida: Stay Connected, Long Beach, CA
- Herralink, Clifton, VA
- Hope & A Future III, Inc., Madison, WA
- Kendal at Hanover Early LearningCenter, Hanover, NH
- Lifespan Resources,, Atlanta, GA
- Martin Luther Tower, Inc. DBA Mark’s Square, San Francisco, CA
- Michigan State University Age Alive, East Lansing, MI
- Mission First Housing Group Plaza West Grandfamilies Program, Washington, DC
- Perfect Pair, Farmington Hills, MI
- San Diego State University Center for Excellence in Aging & Longevity, Intergenerational Call Hub, San Diego, CA
- Sunnyside Community Services, Sunnyside, NY
About the Intergenerational Program Certification
Launched in 2010, Generations United’s Intergenerational Program Certification recognizes excellence while celebrating the diversity of intergenerational programs. An independent panel of experts evaluates designees based on evidence-based standards, including participant preparation, staff training, partner engagement, and use of evaluation data.
Intergenerational programs foster cooperation, interaction, and meaningful relationships between people of different generations, allowing them to share talents and resources while strengthening their communities.
To learn more about the Intergenerational Program Certification and past recipients, visit www.gu.org.
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About Generations United:
For more than three decades, Generations United’s mission has been to improve the lives of children, youth, and older adults through intergenerational collaboration, public policies, and programs for the enduring benefit of all. As the leading advocate for intergenerational initiatives, Generations United sparks cooperation across ages, harnessing the vibrancy and productivity that emerge when people of all ages come together. Learn more at www.gu.org.