Specific Need

Match Day donations raised will provide specific activities and programs throughout the school year that connect generations.

The Youth-Older Adult connection serves to revitalize two very diverse groups in our community that have so much to give. The community and others who find a need to make changes, will see that intergenerational programs and activities are useful in creating not only a positive and welcoming environment for youth and older adults, but in promoting safe and healthy communities. These intergenerational interactions represents a largely untapped viable resource. 

Mission

Building positive relationships between youth and older adults through intergenerational interaction. Connecting generations create and increase peer helping, cross age mentoring, and volunteer community service. 

Profile

SCHOOL YEAR PROJECTS

The I.C.A.R.E. That YOU READING PROJECT- This is our second year with our reading project. The principals and teachers would like to continue this school year. This project is geared to enhance & encourage students with "reading challenges"  Pre-K through 5^th graders in local elementary schools in Geary County.  Each quarter during the school year, a student in each grade level Pre-K through 5^th grade, will be awarded an age-appropriate book from our organization. The student will be honored by having the book presented at the school in a group setting or school awards ceremony.  First distribution of books are tentatively in November.

 PEN PAL PROJECT-  This is our third year venture with this project. It is highly received by Geary County older adults, students in elementary schools, and the HD Karns Acedemy (7th & 8th graders).  Both generations wrote letters throughout the school year with their pen pal. They wrote about their careers, families, favorite hobbies, and past experiences. The letter exchange were always inspiring and uplifting!! The older adults always encourged the students to pursue their dreams, do well in school, stay out of trouble. The students felt very comfortable writing & sharing personal things about themselves.

SERVICE LEARNING -  Students provide technology education class to older adults, serve lunch at senior center, participated in adopt-a-senior holiday project, students made cards throughout the school year to older adults in the community, and periodic nursing home and senior living residential facilities to connect & engage youth & older adults in intergenerational activities. 

When available, I.C.A.R.E. and Ft. Riley Soldiers partner together to perform outdoor Clean -Up Projects for seniors.  

INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITY GARDEN PROJECT- Connecting students with older adults through a joint gardening project. This project promotes social interaction, older adult sharing experiences with gardening, and garden workshops at the community garden. The community garden allows families, and individuals the ability to grow their own food at the existing 12th Street  Community Garden. (there's limited garden space available)

Ft. Riley Soldiers also volunteer to work at the 12th Street Community Garden and senior citizen cleanup activities when they're available.

$4,005.00 received
in 35 gifts