February 13, 2025 —Kendal Early Learning Center (ELC) in Hanover, NH has been designated a Program of Merit by Generations United, a leading organization fostering intergenerational connections in the United States. This esteemed acknowledgment highlights Kendal ELC’s innovative approach to building meaningful relationships between generations.
Generations United annually celebrates exceptional intergenerational programs with the Program of Merit and Program of Distinction certifications. These designations honor programs that excel in promoting cooperation and connection between younger and older generations, creating impactful experiences that enrich lives and communities.
Two Tiers
- Programs of Merit: Demonstrate excellence beyond the minimum standards of effectiveness in intergenerational programming.
- Programs of Distinction: Meet the highest standards of innovation, leadership, and sustainability, setting benchmarks for best practices in the industry.
Kendal at Hanover’s Early Learning Center proudly joins a national network of Programs of Merit recipients, connecting people of all ages through cooperation and shared experiences. These intergenerational initiatives allow participants to exchange talents, provide mutual support, and build strong community connections.
“We are excited and honored to have received the Program of Merit designation from Generations United,” shares Abbi Donahue, Kendal at Hanover’s Director of the Early Learning Center. “This recognition reflects our commitment to fostering meaningful interactions that benefit participants of all ages. We are proud to represent the highest standards in intergenerational programming.”
Generations United Factsheet reports that “Intergenerational programs intentionally unite the generations in ways that enrich participants’ lives and help address vital social and community issues while building on the positive resources that young and old have to offer each other and to their communities….. Overall, the science shows that intergenerational programs lead to positive outcomes among young individuals, older volunteers, as well as teachers and administrators, workplaces, community spaces, families, and neighborhoods.”
Kendal at Oberlin’s Distinction Sets an Aspiring Path
Kendal at Oberlin, which previously earned the designation of a Program of Distinction, embodying innovation and leadership within intergenerational programming, was recertified this year 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,” shares Jeni Hoover, Kendal at Oberlin’s Director of the Kendal Early Learning Center.
Why Intergenerational Programs Matter in Senior Living
Vassar Byrd, CEO of The Kendal Corporation shares, “Great intergenerational programs meet each person where they are – drawing on the deep background of residents, pairing that with the unlimited curiosity of children, and allowing staff and parents to help connect and grow the relationships. It is powerful magic and benefits everyone involved. This is a great example of living our values both as a nonprofit and as a Quaker-inspired system.”
From crafting valentines for “grand friends” to exploring the life of the honeybee 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 and Companionship: 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. Children also have planned visits with residents in the care centers who have higher needs, engaging with them in games like Uno, building with magnet tiles and shape and color sorting exercises.
- Shared Community Spaces: Older adult residents and children enrolled in the on-site Early Learning Centers can connect on-site at the indoor pool, in the Care Centers, in outdoor spaces (including intergenerational gardens), on-campus art galleries, and performance events in the auditoriums, sharing experiences from swimming to spontaneous string quartets.
- Special Celebrations and Programs: Together, the community celebrates events like Dr. Seuss’ birthday with Green Eggs and Ham, Mardi Gras parties with residents from New Orleans, and engaging in shared art and music projects through creative workshops. The ELC staff (who are often in the 20-50 age range) also appreciate connecting with retired older adult residents, whether it’s simply about how the residents show support for the team members through cards and sharing wisdom or a staff and residents knitting club.
These relationships are made possible through the unique design of Kendal’s community spaces, which prioritizes fostering intergenerational connections.
About Kendal Early Learning Centers
On-campus Kendal Early Learning Centers in Hanover, NH and Oberlin, Ohio, are committed to fostering a dynamic, cooperative environment that continues to shape the community for multiple generations. Older adults who reside in these senior living communities benefit from shared learning, joyful experiences and decreased social isolation. Offering on-site Early Learning Center opportunities to employees’ children also helps attract and retain community staff. This quality care is not limited to the children of staff members; community families can also utilize the program.
Kendal at Ithaca, a Kendal Affiliate in NY, also has an on-site ELC managed by the Ithaca Community Childcare Center. At the Kendal at Ithaca location, they offer a Continuity of Care (COC) program model and intergenerational programming, providing children with an opportunity to interact with older adult residents.
For more information visit https://www.kendal.org/about-kendal/kendal-values/intergenerational-connections/