Building Bridges Program Report - 2002

Building Bridges successfully reached 3400 youth and frail and home bound seniors in the Greater Kansas City area. Forty schools, nursing homes and senior citizens centers were involved in the program. The program components include education, friendship, and caring through a variety of activities. The following are some comments:

From a senior citizen - "I am impressed with the Building Bridges program. It was good to be with children that were interested in the lives of other people, especially older people."

From a teacher - "Excellent program-gives the children a chance to experience several of the character traits our school uses - such as compassion, caring, respect, and responsibility."

From a child - "I really enjoyed writing to the elderly. Also thank you for giving us a chance to meet and talk to nice elderly."

Intergenerational Internet

University of Missouri Outreach and Extension initiated an idea of using technology to bridge the gap between young and old and increase older adults learning abilities. Six classes were offered through the partnerships with Friendship Village, Kansas City Public Library, McCoy Elementary School, YWCA, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, and Palestine Gardens.

Forty-five African-American, Hispanic, and Caucasian senior citizens learned from children about basic computer skills. Through 5 to 7 weeks together, senior citizens not only increased their skills, confidence, and comfort level to use a computer, but also increased children's confidence and self-esteem about themselves. The partners will continue to have another class to bring both generations together for learning and sharing.

Intergenerational Fair

With a strong community partnership, the 2002 Intergenerational Fair successfully reached 300 people at the Ward Parkway Center. A total of 80 volunteers, intergenerational think tank members, Hispanic youth, senior citizens, and donors were involved in the event.

The fair included displays, performances, storytelling, child ID, walking, and health screening to help bring diverse populations and ages together for sharing and fun activities.

Learning Across Ages and Cultures

Sixty-five African-American, Hispanic, and Caucasian youth and older adults from YWCA, the Hispanic Leadership Opportunities program, Casa Feliz Senior Center, and Kingswood Retirement Center participated in the "Learning Across Ages and Cultures".

Youth learned about older people's life experiences, cultures, and traditions and exchanged hobbies and interests through a meaningful dialogue. The interactions between young and old brought lots of joy and sharing and helped make connections.