AGE to age communities meet at the Regional Summit; generous partners help Northland meet its funding goal

If the June Summit for AGE to age: bringing generations together was any indication, this initiative is creating strong “communities of generations” in the region. Equal proportions of young people, adults, and older adults from 12 communities interacting and learning together was proof positive that age is not a barrier.

AGE to age teams were joined at the Summit by groups representing the KIDS PLUS Communities of Esko, Carlton, Barnum, and Silver Bay. The broad cross-section of life experiences, location, and generations together in one room made for a high-energy atmosphere.

Leadership experts Craig Hillier and Bill Cordes delivered important messages about the role all generations play in creating a strong community. They also led group activities such as the puzzle team-builder that helped participants to think outside the box and an individual letter exercise that encouraged people to work together to form words using their letters. These activities illustrated the important contribution each person makes to a team and their community. After lunch, John Bushey, a teacher and magician who has traveled the world, amazed the crowd with his magic.

“It is inspiring to hear all that the AGE to age sites have been accomplishing, as well as learn of intergenerational activities taking place in other KIDS PLUS Communities. We are lucky to live in such an exceptional place where all age groups are valued,” said Lynn Haglin, Northland Foundation Vice President/KIDS PLUS Director.

AGE to age reaches ambitious $500,000 match goal

 

The Northland Foundation’s AGE to age: bringing generations together initiative has received critical support from a number of funding partners shown below. The principal funder, Community Experience Partnership – a national initiative aimed at engaging people 55 and older to solve community issues – challenged Northland to raise $500,000 in match over a three-year period.

The recent grant award of $20,000 from The Sheltering Arms Foundation provides the capstone to the challenge grant, achieved after just one-and-a-half years thanks to the generosity of these foundation and corporate contributors. It is only with their support that the Northland Foundation is able to offer AGE to age, which is helping young people thrive through positive connections with older adults and building community throughout northeastern Minnesota.