Volume 19 | Issue 4 | February 21, 2024

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New Resource! Through the Eyes of Grandfamilies: A Conversation with Five Grandfamily Caregivers


Explore the resilience, challenges, and triumphs of Grandfamilies in our latest resource, "Through the Eyes of Grandfamilies: A Conversation with Five Grandfamily Caregivers," a companion to Generations United’s 2023 State of Grandfamilies’ Report, "Building Resilience: Supporting Grandfamilies’ Mental Health and Emotional Wellness." Children growing up in grandfamilies face unique mental health and emotional wellness challenges. Our publication delves into personal accounts of five grandfamily caregivers, shedding light on their experiences and the solutions that have helped them navigate the complex landscape of emotional wellness and mental health.


Click to read their stories and gain insights into the strength and adaptability of these families. Read more.

Generations United News

Generations United featured in American Society on Aging's Generations Journal


Generations United Executive Director Donna Butts wrote an article, titled "Connecting Generations is Key to Combatting Loneliness and Ending Ageism," which is featured in the newest issue of American Society on Aging's Generations Journal. Read the full story here.

Generations United highlighted in The New York Times


Generations United Executive Director Donna Butts is quoted in The New York Times story, titled "Old and Young, Talking Again," which was written by Paula Span. Read the full article here.

Upcoming Shared Site Learning Network Webinar


Join us on Thursday, March 7th from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm ET for the next Generations United’s Shared Site Learning Network meeting. We will explore how to develop joyful intergenerational spaces that foster playful learning, creativity, and meaningful cross-age connections with presentations by Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Professor of Psychology at Temple University and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute, and Stephanie Firestone, Senior Strategic Policy Advisor with AARP International. Register for this webinar today!

Kinship Unity Action Agenda Recording and Materials Available


Generations United, American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law, and Think of Us came together on February 8 to release the Kinship Unity Action Agenda - a collective advocacy tool to guide our future work to support kinship families! The video recording and materials are available here. Please help us share this important agenda.


Sign up to take action and advocate to support the well-being of kinship families!

U.S. Kick-Off of Global Intergenerational Week 2024 Recording Available


You can now access the recording and the slides from the U.S. kick-off hosted by U.S. country leads Generations United and The Eisner Foundation. Learn more about the week and the many ways individuals and organizations can get involved. Sign up as a supporter to show your intention to celebrate all things intergenerational!

NEW RESOURCE: Grandfamilies 101 - A 90-Minute Workshop for Organizations Partnering with Grandfamilies

This professional development experience, created under the leadership of our partner ZERO TO THREE, contains a complete lesson plan; slides; and videos on the legal, educational, and financial issues grandfamilies often face. It is designed to be used within agencies and organizations that serve/partner with kin caregivers, and no special expertise is required to deliver the lessons. The videos are all available with either English or Spanish subtitles. Access the resource.

Accepting Requests for Assistance

As always, the Network is accepting individual requests for assistance from professionals who work in systems or organizations that serve kinship/grandfamilies. Fill out the request assistance form to receive support from our team. Learn more and sign up to access our resources!

The Network is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $9,950,000 with 95 percentage funded by ACL/HHS and $523,684 and 5 percentage funded by non-government sources. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Intergenerational Spotlight

The Mundi Project


The Mundi Project, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, provides access to music through its mission to break down socioeconomic and generational barriers. In partnership with Neighborhood House, the Mundi Project brings intergenerational music-making experiences to preschoolers and older adults. It encourages youth and elders to make music together while fostering meaningful connections and social empathy. Participants report improved psychosocial well-being, increased self-esteem, reduction of ageism stigmas, and decreased social isolation through their participation in intergenerational programs. Read more about the Mundi Project here.

Each issue, Generations United is spotlighting a recipient of our Intergenerational Program Certification or a program highlighted in our Shared Site Learning Network newsletter. The certification is an annual recognition of outstanding programs bringing older and younger participants together and is based on rigorous standards of program effectiveness and sustainability. Learn more about the Intergenerational Program Certification here.

News From the Field

Mid-Atlantic Intergenerational Conference


The Mid-Atlantic Intergenerational Conference includes hands-on learning, workshops, pre- and post- conference tours and group activities, interest group meetings, and pre- and post- conference site visits to innovative intergenerational programs and places in the Lancaster region. It will be a major event, showcasing innovative, impactful, intergenerational initiatives in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Learn more.

2024 Final Rule to Update Older Americans Act Regulations


Generations United is excited about the timely release of the new Older Americans Act (OAA) regulations! OAA programs play an important role in the lives of older adults, grandfamily caregivers, and Americans of all ages as we all rely on these supports & services to age well. Learn more about the final rule here.

Thank You to Our Members and Supporters

Thank you to Ryan Armbrustmacher for their donation in honor of Robyn Wind. Thank you to all our members and supporters! Help us build a society that values all generations by making a donation today. If you're an organization, join us!

Funding and Resources

Funding Opportunities
Resources

"The special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is like a beautiful friendship that defies age and generations."


— Brickwood Galuteria is a trustee for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs

We want Generations This Week to be a resource for you. Please send us any national news on intergenerational issues in addition to upcoming conferences, funding opportunities, research, reports, and webinars. You can connect with other intergenerational enthusiasts through our Facebook group. Please also let us know how we can improve! Email us at gu@gu.org. We'd love to hear from you!

Treat Yourself GRAND!

As a reader of Generations This Week, you are eligible to receive a complimentary subscription to GRAND - The Lifestyle Magazine for Awesome Grandparents. 


That's a $26 value for 12 issues delivered right to your inbox. Get valuable offers and inspirational articles like our column on GRAND Families, and more.

Click here for your free subscription
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