January 9, 2024 —Generations United recently renewed Kendal at Oberlin’s intergenerational programming for another three years as a Program of Distinction.
The Program of Distinction designation serves as the U.S. benchmark for intergenerational programs and is based on the criteria that underpin the effectiveness of high quality intergenerational programs. Kendal is recognized for its continued efforts to create meaningful, sustainable and high-impact intergenerational programming.
Donna Butts, Executive Director Generations United, stated, “Kendal’s program is in an elite class as one recognized, with a designation of this stature. On behalf of all of us, thank you for your commitment to developing impactful intergenerational solutions to meet the needs in your community.”
Kendal Continues to Offer Engaging Volunteer Experiences
As part of Kendal at Oberlin’s efforts to provide engaging intergenerational experiences, volunteer opportunities are available throughout the Kendal community. These opportunities reflect the community’s philosophy, while meeting the needs of residents and people of all ages from the greater community. Kendal at Oberlin has partnerships with Akron University, Case Western Reserve University, Lorain County Community College, Lorain County Junior Vocational School, Oberlin City Schools, and Oberlin College. Also the Kendal Early Learning Center provides opportunities for engagement with the youngest of generations.
Crafting individual intergenerational volunteer opportunities is in keeping with Kendal’s tag line: Together Transforming the Experience of Aging.
Engaging opportunities range from one on one visits, arboretum internships, horticulture training, data input, arts and crafts, yoga, fitness and dementia training to field experiences for music and art therapy students, shadowing Kendal’s medical team and internships for administrators in training.
Kendal residents bring much to the table, with their life experiences, wisdom and wealth of knowledge. All ages benefit from intergenerational engagement. And volunteers have been known to choose careers in gerontology as a result of their experiences.
Generations United is a non-profit organization established in 1986, and based in Washington D.C. Their mission is to improve the lives of children, youth and older adults through intergenerational collaboration, public policies and programs for the enduring benefit of all. For three decades, Generations United has been the catalyst for policies and practices stimulating cooperation and collaboration among generations.