East of the River

Seniors and Youth:

Polar Opposites Attract

by: Michelle McKeithan

Who says seniors and youth cannot relate to one another?

Many might find it hard to believe, but relations are, in fact, forming between the two groups as a result of a new program providing an opportunity for seniors and young people to meet, greet, and eat while discussing life issues from their own personal perspectives. Known as the Intergenerational Bridge Program (IBP), and taking place within the East of the River Family Strengthening Collaborative (ERFSC), the goal is to provide a bi-weekly forum whereby seniors and youth, ages 8-21, can exchange ideas about the most pressing social issues threatening to dissolve communities today. They discuss violence, sex, popular culture, relationships, emotions, and character and the ways those issues shape values and influence mindsets on the younger generation.

While seniors and youth reside at opposite ends of the age spectrum, age, it seems, is not the deciding factor between two people’s ability to relate to one another, and thereby influence each other. Rather, it is the ease at which people relate to one another that forges bonds and creates opportunities for learning. How so?

Merriam Webster notes that “relating” occurs when one connects two or more things or parts as being or belonging or working together or as being of the same kind. It is this close proximity that enables the passing of values between people, including from seniors to youth, and even, surprisingly, from youth to seniors.

Gwendolyn Jones, the facilitator of the IBP, has found that the misperceptions and stereotypes of lower-income urban youth form a barrier between the generations that causes the entire community to breakdown. Her hope and expectation is that seniors will feel less hesitant about approaching young people, and that the kids will have a greater appreciation and respect for the wisdom of their elders. “Relationships are forged and strengthened as both generations develop a better understanding of each other; ultimately, then, it is relationship-building that helps to build communities,” she says.

How do you plant positive relationship-building skills in the youth?

Because IBP operates under the Department of Justice grant known as “Weed and Seed”, strategies are implemented in workshops that aim to “prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, drug abuse, and gang activity in targeted high-crime neighborhoods across the country” through by “weeding out” criminals who participate in violent crime and drug abuse. Additionally, human services are brought to the targeted area to function as “seeds” enabling neighborhood revitalization.

Intergenerational Workshops participates in this “seeding” by partnering with another well-known non-profit organization named Sign of the Times Cultural Workshop and Dowry, a non-profit organization which recently celebrated its 36th year in the community. Also, a Weed and Seed program, Sign of the Times, introduces youth to the world of visual, literary, and performing arts through its own relationship-building strategies between students and artists, resulting in many colorful and, often, awe-inspiring, murals etched in the architectural fabric of the District.

James Greggs, senior participant, recognizes the role the creative arts (namely, photography) in decreasing the rate at which violence acts occur, strengthening emotional well-being, and shaping underdeveloped character. Photographic instructor for the IBP and Sign of the Times staff member, he admits that most of the youth participating in the workshop are holding professional cameras for the first time because, frankly, inner-city creative arts programs for youth are practically non-existent. Yet still, he has not abandoned his aim “to broaden the perspectives and raise awareness among youth that will result in a more culturally enriched life. The IBP has presented him with the opportunity to do just that.

Tangette Kelly, 16, admits she really enjoys meeting with the seniors and feels the discussion group provides a good environment to speak about her feelings on issues, an opportunity she feels she does not often get.

Even the youngest participant seemed to recognize the value of this program. Clearly an active listener and participant wishing to be heard, eight-year-old Kayland Hill’s youthful inquisitiveness and outspokenness fascinates even the seniors. No doubt the youthful energy he embodies encourages seniors that their participation is not in vain.

To learn more about the Intergenerational Bridge Program, please contact the East of the River Family Strengthening Collaborative at 202.397.7300. Sign of the Time Cultural Workshop and Dowry are currently seeking donations for 35mm cameras; visit www.signofthetimes.org for more information.


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Seniors and Youth:
Polar Opposites Attract
by: Michelle McKeithan
Who says seniors and youth cannot relate to one another? Many might find it hard to believe, but relations are, in fact, forming between the two groups as a result of a new program providing an opportunity for seniors and young people to meet, greet, and eat while discussing life issues from their own personal perspectives. Known as the Intergenerational Bridge Program (IBP), and taking place within the East of the River Family Strengthening Collaborative (ERFSC), the goal is to provide a bi-weekly forum whereby seniors and youth, ages 8-21, can exchange ideas about the most pressing social issues threatening to dissolve communities today. They discuss violence, sex, popular culture, relationships, emotions, and character and the ways those issues shape values and influence mindsets on the younger generation. While seniors and youth reside at opposite ends of the age spectrum, age, it seems, is not the deciding factor between two people’s ability to relate to one another, and thereby influence each other. Rather, it is the ease at which people relate to one another that forges bonds and creates opportunities for learning. How so? Merriam Webster notes that “relating” occurs when one connects two or more things or parts as being or belonging or working together or as being of the same kind. It is this close proximity that enables the passing of values between people, including from seniors to youth, and even, surprisingly, from youth to seniors. Gwendolyn Jones, the facilitator of the IBP, has found that the misperceptions and stereotypes of lower-income urban youth form a barrier between the generations that causes the entire community to breakdown. Her hope and expectation is that seniors will feel less hesitant about approaching young people, and that the kids will have a greater appreciation and respect for the wisdom of their elders. “Relationships are forged and strengthened as both generations develop a better understanding of each other; ultimately, then, it is relationship-building that helps to build communities,” she says. How do you plant positive relationship-building skills in the youth? Because IBP operates under the Department of Justice grant known as “Weed and Seed”, strategies are implemented in workshops that aim to “prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, drug abuse, and gang activity in targeted high-crime neighborhoods across the country” through by “weeding out” criminals who participate in violent crime and drug abuse. Additionally, human services are brought to the targeted area to function as “seeds” enabling neighborhood revitalization. Intergenerational Workshops participates in this “seeding” by partnering with another well-known non-profit organization named Sign of the Times Cultural Workshop and Dowry, a non-profit organization which recently celebrated its 36th year in the community. Also, a Weed and Seed program, Sign of the Times, introduces youth to the world of visual, literary, and performing arts through its own relationship-building strategies between students and artists, resulting in many colorful and, often, awe-inspiring, murals etched in the architectural fabric of the District. James Greggs, senior participant, recognizes the role the creative arts (namely, photography) in decreasing the rate at which violence acts occur, strengthening emotional well-being, and shaping underdeveloped character. Photographic instructor for the IBP and Sign of the Times staff member, he admits that most of the youth participating in the workshop are holding professional cameras for the first time because, frankly, inner-city creative arts programs for youth are practically non-existent. Yet still, he has not abandoned his aim “to broaden the perspectives and raise awareness among youth that will result in a more culturally enriched life. The IBP has presented him with the opportunity to do just that. Tangette Kelly, 16, admits she really enjoys meeting with the seniors and feels the discussion group provides a good environment to speak about her feelings on issues, an opportunity she feels she does not often get. Even the youngest participant seemed to recognize the value of this program. Clearly an active listener and participant wishing to be heard, eight-year-old Kayland Hill’s youthful inquisitiveness and outspokenness fascinates even the seniors. No doubt the youthful energy he embodies encourages seniors that their participation is not in vain. To learn more about the Intergenerational Bridge Program, please contact the East of the River Family Strengthening Collaborative at 202.397.7300. Sign of the Time Cultural Workshop and Dowry are currently seeking donations for 35mm cameras; visit www.signofthetimes.org for more information.