Intergenerational Arts #GivingTuesday Fundraiser

"A grandparent is a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend.” 

2022 is almost over and has been a memorable year at India Home. We opened two new centers in the Queens neighborhoods of Flushing and Elmhurst, conducted hybrid virtual and in-person programs for the first time since our founding in 2007, and hosted a special Intergenerational Cruise that was attended by 270 community members of all ages in honor of Grandparent’s Day. 

Supporters like YOU make this impact possible, helping hundreds of Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Nepali, and Indo-Caribbean immigrant NYC seniors each day! 

This year, one of our big plans is to officially launch a NEW Intergenerational Arts & Recreation Program that brings together up to 60 South Asian elders and youth to participate in weekly fun and culturally enriching recreational & educational activities. 

In this exciting program, desi seniors and youth can participate in weekend virtual and in-person programming such as:

• Arts & crafts (Rangoli art, Mandala coloring pages, decorating greeting cards, Diwali lantern making and painting)
• Educational quizzes (South Asia geography & history fun quizzes)
• Board games & brain-teasers
• Story time/ read-aloud activities
• Singing/ karaoke sessions
• Outdoors excursions, cultural trips, and more!

Why is this important and why now? 

Well, we believe that our elders and children have a special bond that can’t ever be replaced. Whenever these generations are brought together, the benefits are endless. Our elders get to smile and share their wisdom, while our little ones benefit from being rightly guided, cared for, and emotionally resilient. 

An average of 18% of South Asians live in multigenerational households in NYC, among the highest rates in the city. But this does not mean that our elders, their adult children, and grandkids, are interacting with each other on a daily basis and have warm and loving relationships. Unfortunately, South Asian older adults can be prone to being neglected, mistreated and disrespected within their own households.

Additionally, there are too few safe spaces and opportunities in NYC where elders and youth from our large & diverse Desi community can be comfortable and do fun cultural activities together and learn from each other. 

The digital divide only widens this gap between both generations, as young people nowadays are depending more and more on outlets like social media and gaming to have fun – instead of realizing the value of making good memories with family, especially with our elders.

If we don’t start Intergenerational Programs now in our community, this gap will only get bigger and both generations will miss out on meaningful and important human connections that can lead to happier lives & learning new things. 

PLEASE SUPPORT THIS NEW PROGRAM!

Your generosity through this special program will have a lasting impact for generations today, tomorrow, and years into the future by building strong family bonds, culture, and mutual love & respect between our elders and youth. 

Would you consider supporting this cause by donating to India Home this #Giving Tuesday?

Cheers to your dedication to making a difference that matters - we’re always thankful for you!