Connecting
Generations
DARTS
believes that our highly valued services for older
adults should integrate all generations.
In 1997 our mission statement was revised to include
"services that support the full participation
of seniors and all generations in community life."
This expansion led to more community collaborations,
and DARTS established an Intergenerational department
with Learning Buddies, Pen Pals, and Court-Referred
Youth programs.
The Learning Buddies program matches volunteers
with Dakota County elementary school children to improve
reading, math, and science skills. From a beginning
of one school and 20 volunteers in 1997, the program
has expanded to more than 25 schools and some 100
volunteers touching the lives of 4,000 children.
The
Learning Buddies program is sponsored by Flint
Hills Resources with additional support by the
3M Foundation and Xcel Energy Foundation. To become
a Learning Buddies volunteer or for more information,
call 651.455.1560 or send us an e-mail.
Adult Pen Pals are
connected with local 2nd grade students to help them
with reading and writing skills. Wonderful mentoring
takes place and intergenerational friendships develop.
The
Court-Referred Youth program also started in
1997 in collaboration with Dakota County Corrections.
Youth
who have committed minor infractions (and are assigned
community service hours) are connected with older
homeowners who need help with outdoor chores. Youth
have helped with mowing, raking, shoveling, and other
tasks. Some also participate in a container gardening
program with older residents in area high rises. Many
of these young people have expressed interest in continuing
to volunteer after their community service obligation.
Dakota County Corrections
screens and refers youth to DARTS and collaborates
in program planning and tracking of program objectives.
For more information
about our intergenerational programs, call 651/455-1560
or send us an e-mail.
Learn more about
volunteer opportunities
at DARTS and help make a difference in your community.
