Bridging the Gap

An Intergenerational Volunteer Experience

The mission of Bridging the Gap is to literally “bridge the gap” between our youth and senior population through creative activities, visitations and intentional acts of kindness.

This “intergenerational buddy system” will create avenues of service for youth that will bring hope to seniors who often suffer from loneliness and isolation. Likewise, through this interaction, healthy relationships are formed that enable young people to build their own self-worth, develop positive values and learn how to use their time creatively and wisely. The result? Healthy intergenerational relationships that benefit both the youth and seniors!

Three program areas of service to seniors are available:

Adopt a GrandFriend

Students are matched one-on-one with a senior friend and are required to visit for one hour, twice a month, for a consecutive six-month period.

The pair choose various activities to do at the site; they may share a hobby, celebrate special holidays/birthdays or write letters or cards together.

Youth in Action

Youth can choose to work with a group of seniors or one-on-one and will meet new seniors each visit. Students can help with Wii games, sport activities, crafts, story telling and nail painting. They may also play music, help write letters or read a book.

Participants are required to visit once a month for one hour over any consecutive three months.

Rolling Angels

Youth are needed to assist seniors by pushing them in their wheelchairs to mealtime, group activities, on-site church or just to spend time out of their rooms. Students are required to volunteer once a month for 45 minutes over a consecutive three month period.

All student volunteers are required to receive proper training from the Recreation Director at one of our participating centers (or they may pick a center of their own). Students may volunteer alone, with a friend or older sibling or with a parent/adult. All volunteers will be required to fill out a simple monthly report for KidsMatter.

If you would like to learn more about this volunteer experience or are interested in signing up, please e-mail our Bridging the Gap coordinator Kathy Schank at servetogether@comcast.net or call her at 630- 567-6981.