Manor of the Plains

EDITOR’S NOTE: Each week, we feature intergenerational program ideas that were tried and successful. This series is a tool to highlight various age-optimized programs and practices. The program descriptions are provided by representatives of the programs. Inclusion in this series does not imply Generations United’s endorsement or recommendation, but rather encourages ideas to inspire other programs.

This week’s cool idea is Manor of the Plains, an adult living facility based in Kansas where residents volunteer to be matched with a student from an immigrant family, and the group meets monthly throughout the school year.

(Check our archives for parts 1-56.)

Many of the children don’t have the opportunity to see their grandparents frequently, and this program gives them an opportunity to interact with a caring older adult.

The resident volunteers also help the children learn more about Midwestern culture as they share how times have changed since they were kids.

The year ends with a joint quilting project with the students making quilt squares depicting what they’d like to do when they grow up.

Got something cool you tried that was successful? Why not tweet your cool intergenerational ideas to #cooligideas? You can also post them to our Intergenerational Connections Facebook Group. We want to highlight innovative age-optimized programs and practices through our blog, social media and weekly e-newsletter! Share the inspiration.