I would like to introduce the Champion Intergenerational Enrichment and Education Center located in in the Near East Side of Columbus. The center was established in 2015, with the intention of promoting the health and wellness of older adults, children, their families, and community members. The center is a partnership between The Ohio State University, Columbus Early Learning Centers, and National Church Residences. In particular, our College of Social Work has played an important role for the center and our PhD student, Cynthia Dougherty is the Program Director.
[Source: College of Social Work]
This center is meaningful not only because it provides services, including intergenerational activities, for older adults as well as kids but it plays an essential role for the transformation of the Near East Side of Columbus. This area has a high proportion of children and adults age 55 and older. Specifically, 11.3% of the total population in the area are older adults age 60 and over. Also, 82% of the residents are African-American, and 55.7% of the residents are below poverty level. Ms. Dougherty, the Program Director, said that the majority of the participants receive public assistance for their care. In 2014, PACT (Partners Achieving Community Transformation), a community development organization for this neighborhood, received a HUD Choice Neighborhood Implementation grant to employ projects for residents’ health, safety, employment, and education.
[Source: Aging Connections]
The Champion Intergenerational Center supports reducing disparities among low-income and minority older adults in healthy and productive aging. It is expected that intergenerational activities will enhance the quality of care for the participants and increase opportunities for education and community outreach.
-Kathy Lee (lee.6454@osu.edu)