1 Change's "Bridging Generations" Digital App

Why we need your help

This campaign is to help 1 Change raise at least $3000 to qualify for entry in A Community Thrives Challenge campaign sponsored by Gannett Media Corp.  Once we reach the $3000 mark, our grant application for  $100,000 to build a digital app for our Bridging Generations program will be eligible for review.   All funds received through this campaign will be used for the sole purpose of operating our Bridging Generations program.

Introduction

Intergenerational Interactive Connection is the expression of 1 Change's "Bridging Generations" program.  Bridging Generations is an intergenerational program that 1 Change has conducted over the past 6 years by partnering our youth and young adult volunteers with isolated older adults of nursing and assisted care communities.  The mission is to bridge the generational gap between the youth and elderly.  The impact of these interactive relationships play a key role in improving the physical, social and psychological health of older adults, while providing our youth and young adult volunteers the opportunity to learn various interpersonal skills such as, communication, leadership, and team building.

Our goal is to expand Bridging Generations by creating a digital app that will allow our volunteers, older adults, families, and friends to stay connected.   The "Bridging Generations" app will be a platform that consist of our various therapeutic recreation, mental stabilization, creative arts, and social programs we have developed and conducted over the past 6 years.  Bridging Generations is led by our trained staff and volunteers.  Our staff and volunteers will upload digital content for each program segment, which will allow anyone with the  app to enjoy intergenerational interactions with their loved one.  We are currently  in partnership with the Dumont Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care in New Rochelle, NY where we have conducted our program since 2016 onsite and virtually.  Our next step is to market the app to other long-term care and retirement communities so they can use it as a part of their recreational program for residents.

Purpose

The purpose of the "Bridging Generations" app is to provide older adults who are retired or receive long-term care an opportunity to stay physically and mentally active through intergenerational social interactions with  youth volunteers, family, and friends.  It is proven that many older adults suffer from depression and anxiety due to extreme isolation and loneliness.   These feelings can result from loss of loved ones, physical deterioration, or lack of visits from relatives and friends.  Due to social illnesses such as, depression and anxiety, many older adults become diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's which diminishes mental health and cognitive skills.   Over the past 6 years we have witnessed the tremendous impact Bridging Generations has on the older adults who have participated in our program, and we believe the program can be even more impactful amongst this population as we expand digitally.

 Youth and young adult volunteers get a chance to develop communication, leadership, and team building skills that are vital in shaping young people.  Volunteers receive hands on training in learning how to build relationships with older adults who may not relate with them culturally due to generational differences.  This training is then applied when youth and young adult volunteers help our staff lead the various intergenerational programs we provide.  Bridging this generational gap allows young people to establish a moral foundation by appreciating their interaction with older adults who can share experience and wisdom. 

Youth and young adult volunteers, along with the older adults we serve enjoy participating in Bridging Generations because they feel a sense of self-worth and gratitude received through each interaction.  

This feeling of self-worth and generational connection is why we need your help in making the "Bridging Generations" app come to life.  Your donation today will expand our mission in bridging generational gaps!

How It Works

1 Change will hire a 3rd party technology company to build the app

1 Change trained staff and volunteers will create program content for the app

The app will go through several test cycles on both android and IOS systems

The app will be refined and go through final edits

1 Change will create videos on how to use app 

Bridging Generations  app will go live on android and IOS devices

Marketing of app and training videos on how to use app will begin through publications, social media, and mail

1 Change will start app rollout with current partner Dumont Center by installing app on resident's tablet devices and training staff and residents on how to use app

1 Change will look to partner with another long-term care or retirement communities to duplicate Dumont Model

Monthly content creation, app evolvement, and app maintenance will continue