July 17, 2025 —What happens when young children and older adults share stories, experiences, and curiosity? At Kendal, it creates community magic. This April, Kendal CEO Vassar Byrd spoke about intergenerational programs during the EFA Environments for Aging Expo and Conference. Her words provided a view into the meaningful connections fostered across generations in many Kendal communities every day.
From onsite early learning centers to partnerships with universities and local schools, Kendal’s intergenerational approach enriches lives, strengthens communities, and promotes lifelong learning. Vassar shares, “We are all on the same road. It is remarkable to connect and be able to learn from each other.”
Breaking Barriers and Building Bonds
Intergenerational connections are often woven into the fabric of the community. For example, Vassar shared a story about a group of residents who said they were not thrilled to have preschool-aged children in their community. What happened, though, was they found themselves happening to stroll by the early childhood center during recess breaks and before they knew it, they were talking and laughing with the kids. The “accident” of connection is a powerful way to break down barriers and open a door to an experience you might not even know you’re missing.
Numerous stories from Kendal communities show generations coming together, forming bonds that nurture empathy, understanding, and joy. By embedding intergenerational programming, communities can create environments where everyone benefits.
More Than an Amenity: A Community Commitment
The care and thought behind the effort make onsite early learning centers and intergenerational programs stand out. These programs are central to the community’s culture, treating residents and younger generations as key players in an inspiring exchange of perspectives, skills, and compassion.
Vassar highlighted that the key is “integrating programming with younger generations with resident life.” She shared, “There is zero downside. We are helping the world interact better when young learners and residents experience a sense of connection that enriches all aspects of their lives”.
Spotlight on Kendal Early Learning Centers
Kendal at Hanover’s Early Learning Center (ELC) has been recognized with the prestigious Program of Merit designation by Generations United, celebrating its innovative intergenerational programming. Rooted in Quaker values, the programming reflects Kendal at Hanover’s commitment to purpose-driven engagement across the lifespan. This recognition places the ELC among an elite group of only 34 programs nationwide commended for exceeding standards of innovation, impact, and intentionality in connecting younger and older generations.
Kendal at Oberlin, which previously earned the designation of a Program of Distinction through Generations United, was recertified and aims to apply for the Merit distinguished accolade next year. Kendal at Oberlin’s intergenerational program exemplifies the true spirit of community—embracing diversity, fostering continuous learning, and creating meaningful connections. For 30 years, this collaboration has brought generations together, offering children enriching experiences and residents the joy of shared purpose.
The IC3 Program at Kendal at Ithaca is run by an outside organization that uses the Child-Centered Active Learning curriculum. Children and older adult residents have meals in the same dining room and have multiple opportunities to engage.
Celebration and Sharing
From crafting valentines for “grand friends” to exploring the honeybee’s life with a resident beekeeper, Kendal ELCs provide countless opportunities for children and older adults to connect. Here are a few highlights of how Kendal ELCs foster intergenerational interactions:
- Collaborative Learning: Residents volunteer in the preschool classroom, conduct one-on-one visits, craft and tell stories, and support hands-on learning during field trips to local parks, libraries, and orchards.
- Shared Community Spaces: Older adult residents and children enrolled in the early learning centers can connect on-site at the pool, outdoor spaces, on-campus art galleries, and for performance events in the auditoriums, sharing experiences from swimming to spontaneous string quartets.
- Special Celebrations: Together, the communities celebrate events like Dr. Seuss’ birthday with Green Eggs and Ham or engaging in shared art and music projects through creative workshops.
Lifelong Learning- University Partnerships
Kendal Affiliates also foster strong ties with colleges and young adults through partnerships with local colleges. Residents at Kendal at Lexington benefit from lectures and classes by professors from Washington and Lee University (W&L) and welcome students from W&L and VMI for collaborations, such as sidewalk engineering and computer training. At Kendal at Oberlin, residents enjoy hundreds of conservatory concerts while auditing college classes for free. The University of Maryland School of Music hosts an Artists in Residence program at Collington, uniting musicians and residents through performances and teaching.
Across Kendal locations, partnerships range from mentoring Bowie State students to engaging with local preschoolers, high school interns, and community youth groups in activities that foster connection and mutual growth. Notable examples include Pace University students conducting PT/OT sessions at Kendal on Hudson and shared dining experiences with preschoolers at Kendal at Ithaca. These programs create a rich, multigenerational learning environment across Kendal communities.
Stronger Foundations
Programs and initiatives that intentionally foster intergenerational connections can act as the foundation for stronger, more inclusive communities. By supporting meaningful interactions, children gain empathy and confidence, while older adults find purpose and joy in their engagement. These relationships go beyond simple giving and receiving, offering mutual benefits that enrich lives at both ends of the age range.