In 1983, a 3-year-old showed Sr. Edna Lonergan the astonishing power that results when you connect children with frail elders and adults with disabilities – how much EVERYONE benefits from these connections.
Sr. Edna took the lesson to heart, and began a quest to capture more of that connective magic for all ages by opening St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care in Milwaukee. Her model for a day care center bringing together all ages and abilities won the support of philanthropists, government officials, healthcare providers, parents and caregivers – and inspired other organizations in the U.S. and abroad to start their own.
Since opening that first center 24 years ago, we’ve seen research that has proven Sr. Edna right – intergenerational day programs keep adults engaged and healthier, with a sense of purpose and motivation, while also enhancing children’s cognitive development and emotional intelligence.
Now Sr. Edna and her team of experts are sharing their secrets to open and operate a successful center like this – so you and your organization can bring those benefits home to the people in
YOUR community!
If you share her philosophy of striving for a world that is inclusive rather than exclusive… a world that needs, values and honors people of all ages and abilities…a world that eradicates bullying–this is your opportunity to make a difference.