JCA Heyman Interages Center - Intergenerational Bridges

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.

Courtesy of JCA Heyman Interage Center

This week’s cool ideas is JCA Heyman Interages Center - Intergenerational Bridges in Maryland that builds relationships between older adult volunteers and at-risk immigrant students through a weekly after school mentoring program in elementary, middle and high schools.

(Check our archives for parts 1-69.)

The JCA Heyman Interages® Center intergenerational programs have brought children and older adults together for 30 years.

Since 1986, thousands of children from hundreds of schools and hundreds of isolated older adults from senior facilities have benefited from participation in our programs.

Over the years hundreds of dedicated and caring older adult volunteers, who are the heart of Interages, have made a significant difference in the lives of children.

Student outcomes include improved English communication and language skills, strengthened academic success strategies, enhanced transition to life in the United States, and increased self-confidence.

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.