Intergenerational Connections
Generations connect at the Swampscott Senior Center to promote social participation and inclusion. Through ongoing collaborations with Swampscott Public Schools, members of the Senior Center benefit from technology assistance, cultural programming, educational services and hands-on help. Generations meet, listen to one another and learn new skills here every day. Together, students and Senior Center members have explored topics related to race, culture and LGBTQIA issues. Members of Swampscott Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society make hand-made holiday cards for homebound seniors and Swampscott High School TV films and airs Senior Center workshops and exercise programs on local cable TV. Students walked on behalf of older adults in the recent Massachusetts Council on Aging’s Walk Challenge and to help the Center earn chances to raffle prizes benefitting health education and programming. Below are some examples of the many ongoing connections fostered at the Senior Center:
Intergenerational Current Events Group
This group meets monthly and covers topics related to current events and pressing social concerns. Members of the Swampscott High School’s community service group, Interact, sit down with members of the Senior Center and enjoy round table discussions and healthy discourse. For more information on this or other programs click here, or to sign up for the next Intergenerational Current Events Group call (781) 596-8866 or reach out to Sonja Nathan, Program and Volunteer Manager.
R.O.C Initiatives
Room of Color is an affinity group at Swampscott High School which supports students of color through mentorship, engagement and community initiatives. R.O.C members collaborate with Senior Center members and staff to create educational and social opportunities that can be shared across generations. Collaborations have included a documentary celebrating Black History Month, a Juneteenth Brunch and weekly help setting up rooms and activities at the Center.
Tech Ninjas
Free one on one technology tutoring is available at the Senior Center through a collaboration between Swampscott High School and the Senior Center. Click here for more information on this program.
North Shore Nostalgia Project
Through a collaboration between the Swampscott High School Library and the Senior Center, high school students used old yearbooks to locate and interview members and Swampscott High School Alumnae on their lives, past and present. These series of interviews resulted in a beautiful display celebrated at the Center.
Discovery Point Learning
High school students ages 18-22 with intellectual disabilities provide services and operational assistance at the Center, learning valuable life and job skills. Senior Center members have the opportunity to participate in Discovery Point’s initiatives with compassion and understanding.
Homebound Senior Outreach
Swampscott Middle School National Junior Honor Society members gather three times a year to make beautiful hand-made cards and bags to accompany special holiday gifts for homebound and deserving older adults in our community. These efforts are much appreciated by recipients and have helped to promote Senior Center outreach efforts, increase membership and generate new connections between community members.
Swampscott TV
Swampscott High School students film special workshops, the Talk About Town series and more and air these programs on the Town’s cable access TV. Check out our Government Access Channel!