Two women, one younger and one older, dance together inside a senior center.
Intergenerational programming is offered at many older adult centers.

Intergenerational programs help bridge generations, positively impacting the lives of older New Yorkers. The Department for the Aging has two intergenerational programs; Grandparent Resource Center and Foster Grandparent program.  

Grandparent Resource Center (GRC)

If you are an older adult with primary caregiver responsibilities for your grandchild or another young relative, the Department for the Aging's Grandparent Resource Center can help you adjust to your role as a kinship caregiver. Grandparent Resource Center services include:

  • Workshops on legal issues, benefits and entitlements, nutrition, budgeting, and other topics
  • Referrals and information
  • Referrals and information for resources and services
  • Peer support groups and guidance on starting individual groups
  • Virtual Empowerment Series course for kinship caregivers
  • Computer classes and technology support
  • Parenting a Second Time Around classes
  • Grandparent Sensitivity training, Kinship Care 101 for professionals and the basics of kinship care for caregivers

The Grandparent Resource Center is a partner under the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice Mayor's Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety (MAP). MAP launched in 2014 as a targeted, comprehensive approach to reduce violent crime in and around the 15 public housing developments that comprise almost 20 percent of violent crime in the City’s public housing. GRC conducts outreach, organizes programming and provides supportive services to kinship caregivers and older adults at NYCHA MAP Communities.

For more information about the GRC, call 212-AGING-NYC or (212) 244-6469.

Resources

Foster Grandparent Program

The Foster Grandparent Program is a volunteer-based program that offers New Yorkers age 55+ who meet income eligibility requirements a paid non-taxable stipend to serve as mentors, tutors, and emotional support for children and youth with special and exceptional needs.

  • Volunteers serve a minimum of 15 hours per week
  • Volunteers are placed in a variety of community settings, such as Head Start Programs, day care centers, schools, hospitals and, family courts.

If you are interested in being a Foster Grandparent volunteer, contact Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469).

Resources