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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MARCH 28, 2025 | The Indian Eye 24

NYC Intergenerational Initiatives Awarded

‘Programs of Merit’ Distinction

Initiatives Originated from the work of the Cabinet for Older New Yorkers

OUR BUREAU
New York, NY
wo intergenerational initiatives
led by the Department for the
TAging (NYC Aging), Depart-
ment of Youth and Community De-
velopment (DYCD), and Department
of Education (NYC Public Schools)
have been designated as Programs
of Merit by Generations United.
The initiatives, My NY Story and the
Anti-Ageism Resource Guide, stem
from the work from the Cabinet for
Older New Yorkers.
The Cabinet for Older New
Yorkers was created by Mayor Eric
Adams in 2022 to mandate coordina-
tion between agencies and leverage
resources to shape current and future
services for older New Yorkers.
The My NY Story program takes
place at 13 co-located NYCHA sites
with both an older adult center and
DYCD’s Cornerstone program. It
fosters community leadership, prob- connections, we break down mis- ally recognized seal of approval for to see a valuable program like this
lem-solving and intergenerational con- conceptions and stop limiting people intergenerational programs in the formally recognized for its impact.
nections. Through storytelling, partici- based on age.” U.S., and the rigorous application Thank you to our partners at the
pants build relationships and challenge These intergenerational pro- and review process make this recog- NYC Department for the Aging and
ageist stereotypes by sharing their ex- grams are among just 33 across the nition especially meaningful.” Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez for
periences. The program culminates country to receive this designation. “From The Mayors older adult their continued collaboration.”
in a community celebration where Generations United began awarding town halls and roundtable discus- The NYC Department for the
participants present their stories. programs in 2010 to recognize excel- sions led by Commissioner Lorraine Aging’s (NYC Aging) mission is to
NYC Aging and NYC Public lence and celebrate their diversity. Cortés-Vázquez to project-based eliminate ageism and empower older
Schools developed the Anti-Ageism An external panel of experts selects activities, and digital storytelling, adults to live independently in their
Resource Guide, which was piloted designees based on evidence-based DYCD is proud to have developed communities. Through a network
in 13 Brooklyn High Schools under standards, including participant amazing opportunities for our youth of over 300 older adult centers and
the Intergenerational Connections to preparation, staff training, partner to form long lasting relationships with naturally occurring retirement com-
Fight Ageism initiative. The educa- engagement, and evaluation data. aging adults,” said NYC Department munities, NYC Aging provides vital
tional program helps students recog- Intergenerational programs fos- of Youth and Community Develop- programs and resources to nearly 1.8
nize ageism and understand how they ter cooperation, interaction, and ex- ment Commissioner Keith Howard. million older New Yorkers, fostering
can challenge harmful stereotypes. change between people of different “We’re proud to be partners in fos- their physical and mental well-being.
In January, the Resource Guide’s generations, allowing them to share tering an environment where our About Generations United: For
expansion was announced, with at talents and resources while build- youth appreciate the wisdom and life more than three decades, Genera-
least 40 elementary, middle, and high ing meaningful relationships that experiences of our most treasured tions United’s mission has been to
schools across the city set to imple- strengthen their communities. New Yorkers.” improve the lives of children, youth,
ment it through a grant from Next50. “We are thrilled to celebrate two “Our young people are the fu- and older adults through intergener-
“The Designation of Merit from outstanding programs of the NYC ture leaders and changemakers of ational collaboration, public policies,
Generations United recognizes New Cabinet for Older New Yorkers for our communities, and initiatives like and programs for the enduring ben-
York City’s commitment to tackling their commitment to high-quality the Anti-Ageism Resource Guide efit of all. We have been the catalyst
ageism head-on,” said NYC Aging intergenerational practices,” said help us prepare them to combat prej- for policies and practices stimulat-
Commissioner Lorraine Cortés- Donna Butts, Executive Director of udice and ageism throughout their ing cooperation and collaboration
Vázquez. “Age discrimination touch- Generations United. “Earning this lives,” said Schools Chancellor Me- among generations, evoking the vi-
es everyone. When we educate young distinction is a remarkable achieve- lissa Aviles-Ramos. “Our schools fos- brancy, energy, and sheer productiv-
people about its harms and create ment. The Intergenerational Pro- ter important lessons and meaningful ity that result when people of all ages
opportunities for intergenerational gram Certification is the only nation- conversations, and I am so proud come together.

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