Generations United in the News

Donna Butts and our 2023 State of Grandfamilies report are featured in the WVNews.com article "New report: Grandfamilies at higher risk of mental health issues." Read the article.

We are thrilled to share the 2023 State of Grandfamilies report, Building Resilience: Supporting Grandfamilies' Mental Health and Wellness. The report brings attention to the mental health and emotional wellness of grandfamilies, sheds light on their resilience and the challenges they face, and provides innovative solutions and resources to better support them. The report also includes policy and program recommendations for strengthening these incredible families. 

Download the report and the release event materials and recordings.

Thanks to The Brookdale Foundation Group for making this report and event possible, and to Centene Corporation for their valuable support! 

Read the Latest Issue of the Shared Sites Learning Network Newsletter on Intergenerational Arts

The most recent issue of the Intergenerational Shared Site Learning Network newsletter focuses on the arts as a tool for fostering cross-age relationships and promoting well-being. Intergenerational art-making is an effective way to break down ageist stereotypes, foster empathy and understanding, and combat loneliness. The arts transcend generational divides and provide an opportunity to find common ground. Engaging generations in co-creating and co-learning — through theater, music, dance, and other art forms — promotes social inclusion and builds community. We hope the programs highlighted inspire you to incorporate creative arts experiences into your work.

Read the full issue here. Sign up here to receive the quarterly newsletter in your inbox.

AARP Foundation Experience Corps, a Generations United Program of Distinction, is a community-based volunteer program that empowers people over 50 to serve as tutors to help students become better readers by the end of third grade. It is a proven “triple win,” helping students succeed, older adults thrive, and communities grow stronger. The program ensures volunteer success through extensive training, peer networks, and ongoing evaluation. Experience Corps employs a structured, evidence-based model that improves the overall reading ability of students by building their fluency, accuracy, and comprehension skills. AARP Foundation Experience Corps focuses on outcomes, inspiring volunteers to disrupt the cycle of poverty by making a lasting difference in the lives of America’s most vulnerable children. Learn more.

On November 16 from 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET, we will host a webinar on the advantages of support groups and identify topics that might be included during group meetings. We’ll explore how to recruit and retain participants, schedule and structure in-person or online groups, and create an environment where all feel safe, seen, and welcomed. We’ll also provide links to free or low-cost resources to get you started or to help you enhance what you already offer. Register today.

This list contains examples of resource guides for kinship families and those who serve them. These types of written resources can be very helpful to help explain the various legal options available to kin caregivers. They are most useful when they are state-specific, as laws and policies impacting these families vary greatly around the country. Access the resource.

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!

Strengthening Cultural Responsiveness In Intergenerational Programs is a new report from Generations United that highlights the intentional and creative ways that organizations combat systemic racism by prioritizing the voices and lived experiences of diverse staff and participants in their practices. Available in English and Spanish. Learn more.

Generations United has updated our Children Thrive in Grandfamilies Fact Sheet, a resource that provides key facts about how children do in the care of relatives and a list of research articles to support the facts. Learn more.

17 New State-Specific Adoption & Guardianship Comparison Charts Are Now Available! These comparison charts help grandfamilies understand the difference between adoption and guardianship for children leaving foster care to permanency with relatives, made possible with support from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Learn more.

Sharing Our Space: A Toolkit for Developing and Enhancing Intergenerational Shared Sites is designed for individuals and organizations interested in creating an intergenerational shared site or enhancing services at their current site. Divided into 10 sections, the toolkit details every step of the development and operation process, from initial planning to sustaining long-term shared site programs. Learn more.

Making the Case for Intergenerational Programs provides rationale and facts to help make the case for intergenerational programs. It is based on a comprehensive review of the literature on intergenerational programs and highlights evidence-based findings on how intergenerational programs benefit everyone. There is also an accompanying fact sheet available in English and Spanish. Learn more.

Staying Healthy Across Generations: Vaccines are Essential for All Ages is an infographic that illustrates that vaccines aren't just for kids - they protect all generations, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Staying up to date on vaccines for the flu, pneumonia, and whooping cough is important to protect both older adults and children. Learn more.