The Department for the Aging has actively promoted the value of intergenerational exchange between young and old for more than 25 years and currently supports two City-wide initiatives.
The focus of intergenerational programming is to teach the young to respect and learn from their elders as well as provide service to them, while giving seniors the opportunity to know and enjoy the younger generation and share their wisdom and life-coping experience.
The Intergenerational Work Study Program (IWSP)
A service-learning program involving public high school students with senior New Yorkers and conducted in collaboration with the New York City public high schools and senior centers and nursing homes in each borough.
Volunteer Support Project (VSP)
A collaboration between the Department and four vision service agencies to serve blind and visually impaired seniors through social support by trained volunteers.