Intergenerational Programs
Friendship knows no age! The LBFE Intergenerational Program provides the Chicago-area community with opportunities to meet and engage with its eldest members. Students from elementary to college, gain new perspectives and share their own areas of expertise, all while experiencing the many benefits of volunteerism!
For older adults, the Intergenerational Program is an opportunity to connect with younger people and to share their life experiences and stories. This can increase important feelings of being recognized, remembered, and valued, along with bringing new experiences and friendships.
Contact us to start planning an intergenerational event.
What does an intergenerational event look like? The possibilities are endless! Here are just a few examples of successful past events:
- Centenarian elders visit kindergarten classrooms to count to 100 together. Centenarians also answer student questions about growing up and growing older.
- Middle schoolers learning about poetry meet with LBFE older adults to ask questions that inspire their poems. Later, their works are presented to the older adults as mementos.
- High schoolers meet with older adults, learning from their advice and wisdom while gaining valuable conversation and interview skills.
- Often, schools develop long-standing relationships with LBFE, visiting several times during a year. As a result, students and older adults form mutually beneficial intergenerational friendships.
- Visiting older adults as a family is a fun, meaningful activity to enjoy together. For kids who may not have grandparents living close by or other relationships with seniors, family visiting provides valuable connections with older generations. Introducing children to volunteering when they’re young has been proven to promote healthy lifestyle, teach life skills, and promote a lifelong service ethic.
