Heyman Interages® Center
Volunteers with Heyman Interages® Center Span Generations
For more than 30 years Interages has been a program where seniors and youth meet face to face to discuss issues, solve problems, receive instruction and build relationships. Intergenerational volunteer programming provides opportunities for individuals at both ends of the age spectrum to discover that the myths they’ve heard about the young and the old are far from true and they have so much to learn from each other. Our current programming offers a combination of virtual and in-person opportunities which provide the benefits of intergenerational interaction. In order to create this programming, Interages is fortunate to have developed strong relationships with community-based organizations that work with children throughout the greater Washington DC area as well as Montgomery County Public Schools.
We are pleased to be able to offer volunteer opportunities for seniors who are 50 years old and above, service-learning opportunities for students in middle school through high school, and volunteer tutoring opportunities for university and college students.
The Heyman Interages Center has been designated as an intergenerational Program of Distinction by Generations United. Generations United’s Program of Distinction designation serves as the U.S. benchmark for intergenerational programs and is based on the criteria that underpin the effectiveness of high-quality intergenerational programs. The Heyman Interages Center is part of an elite class as a program recognized with a designation of this stature.
Opportunities for Older Adults
Our opportunities are constantly changing. For the most up-to-date information, check with the Montgomery County Volunteer Center. Enter “interages” in the search area.
Tutoring/mentoring/reading/math with young students through MCPS or nonprofit organizations
If you’re age 50+, we invite you to volunteer with JSSA Heyman Interages® Center’s high-impact programs. Our programs occur throughout Montgomery County at local schools, senior living facilities, and libraries, or on Zoom. Volunteers help youth ages 5-18 with academics, self-confidence, and an appreciation of cross-age connections. As a JSSA Interages volunteer, you can make a difference in as little as one hour a week, or you can increase your impact by giving more time. We provide training and ongoing support, and we will work with you to find the right opportunity that fits your interests, skills, and schedule.
Volunteer Portal
We have a running list of volunteer opportunities on our volunteer portal. You can view the list here and choose the program that fits your schedule, location, and talents! Help a student improve their reading skill, read a bedtime story, or join a book club – all the programs offer enriching experiences for both students and volunteers.
Heyman Interages Center
Elementary School Programs 2024-2025
(A sampling of our programs is listed alphabetically below.)
Bridges
The Bridges Program is an innovative outreach initiative designed to connect adult volunteers with elementary school students who have recently arrived in the United States and are learning English. The program helps students gain understanding, competency, and fluency with the language, and volunteers provide light academic support in the process. There is also a cultural exchange as students and volunteers learn from each other and broaden their cultural understanding.
Grandreaders (2nd Grade Students)
The Grandreaders program is a one-on-one reading program for 2nd-grade students. An older adult reads once a week with an assigned child. Students are selected by their teachers from among those who need one-on-one reading time and connection. The first book everyone reads is “As Best Friends Do.” This is a book written by two JSSA Interages volunteers. Volunteers tailor the books for the students to read according to the child’s interests and abilities.
In-Class Support
In-class support provides opportunities for volunteers to work one-on-one or in small groups with students who may need additional attention and assistance in areas such as language arts, math, science, and social studies. Volunteers work to increase students’ skills in class subjects and to develop meaningful intergenerational connections.
Read Across America
In partnership with Montgomery County Public Libraries, Students in grades K–3 can practice their reading skills with preselected, vetted volunteers from the JSSA Heyman Interages Center at libraries throughout Montgomery County. Library locations may change from year to year. Read Across America occurs annually during National Read Across America Week in March.
Read Across Generations
In partnership with Montgomery County Public Libraries, students in grades K-3 can practice their reading skills during the summer while reading one-on-one with previously selected volunteers (50+) from the JSSA Heyman Interages Center. Students can bring their own book or select one from the library. The program typically runs for 5 weeks from July to August. Parents or family members accompanying children participating in the program who are also interested in practicing their reading can join their children in the reading with the volunteer.
Reader’s Theater
Reader’s Theater is a program in which the readers gather in small groups to present dramatic readings of narrative material without costumes, props, scenery, or special lighting. Readers use only vocal expressions to help convey stories. Equipped with Reader’s Theater materials, JSSA adult volunteers meet once a week during the school day or after school hours with 2nd to 5th-grade students, divided by grade.
SHARE (Students Help and Reach Elders)
SHARE brings together youth from area schools and older adults from area assisted living facilities and adult day programs for meaningful connections. The program includes fun activities during weekly one-hour programs such as conversation, arts and crafts, STEM activities, music, and interactive games.
Middle and High School Programs 2024-2025
Dialogues Across the Ages
Volunteers and students engage in cross-age discussions of current events and social studies topics. The generations learn about each other’s interests, lifestyles, and views during these multi-week sessions (typically eight), which are designed to foster mutual understanding and respect.
Virtual Book Club
Intergenerational book clubs for middle school students are built on a rich, cooperative partnership between JSSA Interages and Montgomery County Public Library (MCPL). Book clubs promote a love of literature in a positive, nurturing environment, establish strong intergenerational relationships and communication, and provide an opportunity for creativity, reflection, and information synthesis. Book clubs meet four times per year for four weekly sessions.
Opportunities for students: Service Learning opportunities
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) believes that service learning addresses recognized community needs and is connected to advancing curriculum goals. All service projects, be they indirect, direct, or through advocacy, include phases of preparation, action, and reflection. Quality service learning projects provide students with knowledge, skills, attitudes, and career exploration opportunities that lead to effective citizenship in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. MCPS is committed to quality service-learning experiences for all students.
Service Learning Programs at JCA Interages
Please view the list of summer volunteer opportunities on the Volunteer Opportunities page. SSL hours are available for all programs.
Intergenerational Book Clubs-Middle School, High School
Montgomery County Public Libraries and the JSSA Heyman Interages® Center are hosting an intergenerational book club for middle and high school students. Students and older adult community members meet weekly for one month to read the same book and discuss it. Participants discuss the book, enjoying the conversation and hearing perspectives from people of another generation.
Students will be asked to write a short essay and create a poster or flyer from what they learned from the book. Six SSL hours will be awarded to each student if he/she participates in all four meetings and present their projects on time.
To find out which programs have availability, please contact Indira Dingledine at idingledine@jssa.org or visit the Montgomery County Volunteer Center website HERE.
Please note the following guidelines for student service through live virtual platforms:
- A student’s parent/guardian must provide the nonprofit with written approval of the student’s participation in the virtual platform prior to the student serving/volunteering.
- Students must use personal/private accounts (not MCPS student accounts) to engage in the virtual platform.
- Students will only engage with others under the direct supervision of a nonprofit supervisor. The nonprofit supervisor will be directly present in the virtual space (including any breakout sessions) at all times.
- The nonprofit supervisor will initiate and host all virtual sessions. If the nonprofit supervisor is unavailable to initiate and host the virtual session, it will not occur.
- Virtual sessions will not be recorded.
Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at all times when a student interacts with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home until schools resume normal status.
Heyman Interages® Center Mentoring and Tutoring
If you’re age 50+, we invite you to volunteer with JSSA Heyman Interages® Center’s high impact programs. Volunteers engage in meaningful service throughout Montgomery County in a variety of programs that help youth unlock their full potential.
Our programs take place in schools and in the community, helping youth ages 3-18 with academics, self-confidence and an appreciation of cross-age connections. As a JSSA Interages volunteer, you can make a difference in as little as one hour a week, or you can increase your impact by giving more time. We provide training and ongoing support and will work with you to find the right opportunity to fit your interests, skills and schedule.
Intergenerational Connections Matter
What are the benefits of generations working together?
Children exposed to positive adult role models learn from the knowledge and experience their elders have to offer. Stereotypes and fears about youth and aging are dispelled when both generations communicate and work together. Sharing personal histories and life experience improves understanding across generations. Children learn and experience compassion and the value of community service.
Direct involvement with children helps older adults stay active and connected to their community, and provides opportunities for them to live more productive, happier lives. Older adult volunteers develop friendships with children and other volunteers that may reduce a sense of loss or isolation. Involvement in meaningful work increases each participant’s sense of personal fulfillment and self-worth.
Download our 2018 program report to learn more about what we do.
Heyman Interages Center volunteers are living proof that concerned citizens can change the world. Each year, our dedicated volunteers share their skills and friendship with students across Montgomery County to help them succeed in school and life.
Why Intergenerational Programs Matter
The population is changing. By 2030, there will be more people over age 65 than under age 14. This will affect every aspect of our lives — from education and health care to jobs and families. To address these challenges effectively, we must educate all citizens about aging — starting with our youngest — and starting now.
However, modern society has become age-segregated — increasingly children spend time with other children, adults work outside the home with people primarily their own age, and seniors spend time in seniors-only communities, residences, and social centers. This lack of intergenerational contact allows each generation to perceive itself as separate and isolated rather than an integral part of the larger community. Often, this segregation creates misunderstanding, unfair stereotypes, and reduced quality of communal life for all.
Our programs benefit the community by:
- Recognizing and utilizing the talents of citizens of all ages
- Erasing stereotypes that keep age groups separate
- Encouraging each generation to learn and benefit from each other, enriching all in the process
All the students I have had in the program over the past few years have truly excelled academically and socially. The one-on-one attention of the volunteer is incredible.
— Elementary School Reading Specialist
Interages serves the community by championing mutually beneficial volunteer opportunities for older adults and youth to interact and learn from one another while fostering respect between generations and appreciation of diversity.
In addition, Interages:
- Models effective intergenerational programs
- Disseminates information and provides training and technical assistance
- Facilitates communication among entities with intergenerational interests
Please enjoy this pdf version of the book Bringing Generations Together by Alexis Bentz and Sue Jeweler.
“The purpose of Bringing Generations Together is to create an awareness of the benefits of intergenerational relationships. This book will provide research that illustrates the value of making connections between young people and older adults and offer a variety of activities that can be used to ignite exciting, meaningful relationships between the generations. We believe that this book will inspire others to embark on this adventure together – just as we have!”
Awards and Honors
Over the years, Interages has received numerous awards for our intergenerational work, including the following:
- Program of Distinction by Generations United
- Best Small Charities of Greater Washington by the Catalogue for Philanthropy
- Award of Excellence in Older Volunteer Program Management by the MetLife Foundation and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a)
- Award for Distinguished Service to Public Education by the Montgomery County Board of Education
- Mentoring Program of the Year by the Maryland Governor