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Heyman Interages® Center


Volunteers with Heyman Interages® Center Span Generations

For more than 30 years Interages has been a program where seniors and youth meet face to face to discuss issues, solve problems, receive instruction and build relationships.  Intergenerational volunteer programming provides opportunities for individuals at both ends of the age spectrum to discover that the myths they’ve heard about the young and the old are far from true and they have so much to learn from each other.  Our current programming offers a combination of virtual and in-person opportunities which provide the benefits of intergenerational interaction.  In order to create this programming, Interages is fortunate to have developed strong relationships with community-based organizations that work with children throughout the greater Washington DC area as well as Montgomery County Public Schools.

We are pleased to be able to offer volunteer opportunities for seniors who are 50 years old and above, service-learning opportunities for students in middle school through high school, and volunteer tutoring opportunities for university and college students.

Opportunities for Seniors

Our opportunities are constantly changing. For the most up-to-date information, check with the Montgomery County Volunteer Center. Enter “interages” in the search area.

Tutoring/mentoring/reading/math with young students through MCPS or nonprofit organizations

boy listens to volunteer tell storyIf you’re age 50+, we invite you to volunteer with JCA Heyman Interages® Center’s high-impact programs. These virtual programs take place on Zoom with schools, families, and community organizations. Volunteers help youth ages 3-18 with academics, self-confidence, and an appreciation of cross-age connections. As a JCA Interages volunteer, you can make a difference in as little as one hour a week, or you can increase your impact by giving more time. We provide training and ongoing support and will work with you to find the right opportunity to fit your interests, skills, and schedule.

The JCA Heyman Interages® Center has partnered with Kensington Club, an adult day-care program that engages elderly adults with early signs of dementia.  Both are a part of the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA). This Art and Music Appreciation program brings high school student volunteers together with older adults living with dementia in art and music therapy provided to older adults enjoyment, use of their cognitive skills, and a distraction from pain.

girl reading book perched on globe

Volunteer Portal

We have a running list of volunteer opportunities on our volunteer portal.  You can view the list here and choose the program that fits your schedule, location, and talents! Help a student improve their reading skill, read a bedtime story, or join a book club – all the programs offer enriching experiences for both students and volunteers.

High School Intergenerational Interviewing Team

We are excited to highlight the interesting and important work that people in our community are doing. Having a high school student interview a senior really focuses on the intergenerational nature of our mission. Please reach out to interagesinfo@accessjca.org if you would like to participate or with any contacts you might have.

Share from a distance

We are excited to let you know about an exciting opportunity to build relationships with youth during this difficult time when so many of us are isolated and eager to make connections. Through our SHARE From a Distance program, we are making intergenerational connections from a distance by matching up pen pals. Only first names are given, and all correspondence is filtered through JCA staff. You can choose to correspond via email or postal mail.

If you have any questions or would like to be matched up with an interested young person, please email us.

We have a list of interested young people eager to be matched up with a pen pal. Thank you for your time and consideration!

Even though our SHARE (Students Help and Reach Elders) program is not able to bring people together in person at this time, we can still make intergenerational connections from a distance. Children and older adults are invited to sign up to make a difference in each other’s lives by sending warm, cheerful letters, messages, and art through our program SHARE From A Distance.

All communication will be anonymous and will be filtered through professional JCA staff. Only the first names of participants will be shared. Once you fill out the initial interest form, you will receive an e-mail confirmation followed by further instructions from a JCA staff person.

AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program 

The AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) provides social and academic support to elementary children to promote school readiness. Foster Grandparents work one-on-one with children in their classrooms at least 20 hours a week for an entire school year. Among other activities, Foster Grandparents provide and reinforce values to children in a smaller classroom group. At the moment, Foster Grandparents are providing support in local elementary schools and other host sites throughout Mongetomry County.

Requirements:

  • you are at least 55 years of age
  • you are either a U.S. citizen or a green card holder
  • you are at or below 400% income level of $54,360/yr per single adult. Those who meet certain income guidelines receive a stipend of $3.15/hour
  • you can commit to at least 20 hours per week for a full school year of volunteering

All FGP volunteers receive training, accident and liability insurance, meals on duty, and transportation reimbursement.

Contact: 301-225-4238 or amorris@AccessJCA.org

Learn more about the Foster Grandparent Program from this interview which was part of the Intergenerational Interview Project. Ms. Sariah, a rising 8th grade student with a passion for reading, art, and music, interviews Ms. Rochele Jones, manager for the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent program in Baltimore.


Opportunities for students: Service Learning opportunities

girl listens intently to senior volunteerMontgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) believes that service learning addresses recognized community needs and is connected to advancing curriculum goals. All service projects, be they indirect, direct, or through advocacy, include phases of preparation, action, and reflection. Quality service learning projects provide students with knowledge, skills, attitudes, and career exploration opportunities that lead to effective citizenship in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. MCPS is committed to quality service-learning experiences for all students. 

 

Service Learning Programs at JCA Interages

2023 Summer Volunteer Programs for Students

Please view the list of summer volunteer opportunities on the Youth Volunteer Opportunities page. SSL hours are available for all programs.

Share from a Distance- SFAD

Even though our SHARE (Students Help and Reach Elders) program is not able to bring people together in person at this time, we can still make intergenerational connections from a distance. Children and older adults are invited to sign up to make a difference in each other’s lives by sending warm, cheerful letters, messages, and art through our program SHARE From A Distance.

All communication will be anonymous and will be filtered through professional JCA staff. Only the first names of participants will be shared. Once you fill out this form, you will receive an e-mail confirmation followed by further instructions from a JCA staff person.

Intergenerational Book Clubs-Middle School, High School

Montgomery County Public Libraries and the Jewish Council for the Aging Heyman Interages® Center are hosting an intergenerational book club for students in middle school and high school. Students and older adult community members meet weekly for one month to read the same book and discuss it at the weekly meetings. Participants have discussions about the book while enjoying conversations and hearing perspectives from people of another generation.

Students will be asked to write a short essay, and create a poster or flyer from what they learned from the book. Six SSL hours will be awarded to each student if he/she participates in all four meetings and present their projects on time.

Art and Music Appreciation with Kensington Club

The JCA Heyman Interages® Center has partnered with Kensington Club, an adult day-care program that engages elderly adults with early signs of dementia. Both are a part of the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA). This Art and Music Appreciation program brings high school student volunteers together with older adults living with dementia in art and music therapy provided to older adults enjoyment, use of their cognitive skills, and a distraction from pain.

Intergenerational Interview Team

The Intergenerational Interview project highlights the important work that people are doing in our community. We feel that the intergenerational nature of this project really focuses on our mission.

Students apply to join the Interview team. There is a brief training and program overview, then students are matched to an interviewee and guided through the interview process.  The Zoom recording is used on the JCA Interages website and newsletter and shared with other programs throughout Montgomery County and the Intergenerational community.

To find out which programs have availability, please contact Indira Dingledine at idingledine@accessjca.org or visit the Montgomery County Volunteer Center website at

Please note the following guidelines for student service through live virtual platforms:

  • A student’s parent/guardian must provide the nonprofit with written approval of the student’s participation in the virtual platform prior to the student serving/volunteering.
  • Students must use personal/private accounts (not MCPS student accounts) to engage in the virtual platform.
  • Students will only engage with others under the direct supervision of a nonprofit supervisor. The nonprofit supervisor will be directly present in the virtual space (including any breakout sessions) at all times.
  • The nonprofit supervisor will initiate and host all virtual sessions. If the nonprofit supervisor is not available to initiate and host the virtual session, the session will not occur.
  • Virtual sessions will not be recorded.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student interacts with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home until schools resume normal status. 


This program is an opportunity to share myself, learn from others, and broaden cultural understandings.

— Intergenerational Bridges Volunteer


The Interages Connector Newsletter

Volume 42 | January 23, 2023

Volume 43 | February 23, 2023

Volume 44 | March 17, 2023

Volume 45 | April 21, 2023

Volume 46 | May 19, 2023

Volume 47 | June 23, 2023

Volume 48 | July 19, 2023

Volume 49 | August 22, 2023

Volume 50 | September 22, 2023

Volume 51 | October 19, 2023

Volume 52 | November 15, 2023

Volume 53 | December 22, 2023


Volume 30 | January 19, 2022

Volume 31 | February16,  2022

Volume 32 | March 16, 2022

Volume 33 | April 13, 2022

Volume 34 | May 18, 2022

Volume 35 | June 22, 2022

Volume 36 | July 25, 2022

Volume 37 | August 22, 2022

Volume 38 | September 21, 2022

Volume 39 | October 21, 2022

Volume 40 | November 22, 2022

Volume 41 | December 22, 2022


Volume 18 | January 20, 2021

Volume 19 | February 17, 2021

Volume 20 | March 17, 2021

Volume 21 | April 14, 2021

Volume 22 | May 12, 2021

Volume 23 | June 16, 2021

Volume 24 | July 14, 2021

Volume 25 | August 18, 2021

Volume 26 | September 15, 2021

Volume 27 | October 13, 2021

Volume 28 | November 17, 2021

Volume 29 | December 15, 2021


Volume 1 | April 1, 2020

Volume 2 | April 8, 2020

Volume 3 | April 15, 2020

Volume 4 | April 22, 2020

Volume 5 | May 20, 2020

Volume 6 | June 17, 2020

Volume 8 | July 1, 2020

Volume 9 | July 15, 2020

Volume 10 | July 29, 2020

Volume 11 | August 12, 2020

Volume 12 | August 26, 2020

Volume 14 | September 23, 2020

Volume 15 | October 21, 2020

Volume 16 | November 18, 2020

Volume 17 | December 16, 2020


happy girl and volunteer doing arts and crafrts

History

Learn about the founding of the Heyman Interages® Center, dating back to 1986

Learn More

Gabby interview screenshot

Intergenerational Interview Project

View videos from the Intergenerational Interview Project

Learn More

volunteer and child with Paddington book and stuffed animal

Intergenerational Connections Matter

Intergenerational volunteering has many benefits

Learn More

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Donate Now

Donate to the Interages program

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For More Information

Contact: Kathleen Dennis

Phone: 301-255-4239

Email: kdennis@accessJCA.org