Do you have life stories that you want to share with students?
Would you like to spend some social time with younger adults?
Please join the Grand Connections program!
You will be amazed by the joy, energy, and impact brought by these intergenerational interactions!
And the best part? You can decide on how much you would like to get involved!
We will find something to fit to your interests and preferences!
Please click on "Learn More" to find more about the program.
[1725915142].jpg)
[1725915263].jpg)
Second Blankets & Stories 2025
On November 20, 2025, SAGE and Grand Connections collaborated on campus to create tied fleece blankets. There were a total of 24 members, including students and older adults got together and spread out at four workstations. Each group selected their favorite fabrics and began working together. Each group matched the two sides of the fabrics, cut, and tied. Once they figured out exactly how to do it, they also started sharing stories of their memorable family holiday memories while working on the blankets. The room was filled with warmth and laughter. The blankets made will be delivered to local homeless shelters and veteran homes.
Intergenerational Conversation Cafe 2025
On Saturday, October 25th, with the generous support from AARP, SAGE, and Grand Connections, they hosted their first Intergenerational Conversation Café at the Masonic Temple Building in downtown Grand Rapids. Twenty-nine older adults and students got together and shared delicious Mexican food from MeXo, enjoyed creative dances, and participated in two rounds of “World Café” style of discussions during which everyone got a chance to tell their stories and ideas while others listened without interrupting. The first round was about “Life and Lessons – The stories that shaped us” and the 2nd round explored “Future and Hope – Imagine what is ahead”. Many people came dressed in Halloween costumes, bringing so much more color and fun to the room. It was an afternoon well spent because it left everyone feeling more connected, inspired, and hopeful for the future.
[1681424658].jpg)
If you are interested, please click on the button on the left and fill out the sign up form. We will follow up with you about the next steps of getting involved in the Grand Connections program.
Let’s work together to create meaningful and long-lasting intergenerational relationships so older adults can offer younger adults life lessons learned through experience, and young adults can offer older adults renewed energy and a stronger desire to make the world better for generations to come.
