One example of a way to create meaningful intergenerational relationships is the Listening Post program in Denver, where older adults pay weekly visits to children in schools during the lunch hour. Kids are encouraged to talk about anything they please. Many friendships have resulted over the years, forging connections between young people and caring members of the community. Working together Community partnerships create another level of relationships with youth. Such partnerships are spread throughout a community - in neighborhoods, schools, parks and recreation programs, faith communities, businesses and youth organizations.
Many partnerships already exist in and around Bloomington.
Prepare Bloomington , for example, a program of the Education Foundation, connects businesses and schools that work together on projects and activities that enhance the quality of education for students while improving skills critical to success in the workplace. One of more than twenty Bloomington school-business partnerships is Target's relationship with Normandale Hills Elementary. This program offers young people opportunities to perform community service through a shopping buddy program for senior citizens and people with disabilities. The big picture The final level of relationships is achieved through the gathering of communities which share the same vision of asset-building. Link n' Learn , a program that brings people together to share ideas about asset-building issues, can be implemented in several ways.