LibraryJPSA Civic Engagement ProjectsIntergenerational Mentorship: Creating Listening Sessions Between Youth and Elders at Handmaker

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Intergenerational Mentorship: Creating Listening Sessions Between Youth and Elders at Handmaker

Last Updated: 03/27/2026

Case Organization

Handmaker Jewish Services For Aging

https://www.handmaker.org

2221 N. Rosemont Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85712

Case Contributors

Case Disciplines

Community Organization and Social Action Facilitation, Mediation, Conflict Resolution Individual and Family Advocacy Organizational Culture Public Administration

Skills & Expertise

Active Listening Training Community Engagement Curriculum Design Facilitation Design Feedback Collection Fundraising Strategy Grant Writing Impact Measurement Monitoring & Evaluation Needs Assessment Outreach Strategy Participant Matching Strategy Partnership Development Pilot Program Implementation Program Design Qualitative Research Stakeholder Interviews Storytelling & Documentation Strategic Planning Survey Design Volunteer Coordination Workshop Development
Background & Objective

The challenge or opportunity you are trying to address for the organization.

Handmaker Jewish Services for Aging is a senior living and care facility that values community, dignity, and meaningful engagement. Many residents have rich life experiences and wisdom, yet often face loneliness and a lack of intergenerational connection. Meanwhile, younger generations—children, adolescents, and young professionals—are navigating life transitions, personal development, and career challenges.
Learning Objectives

This is what students will learn as they complete the case.

This case provides students with the opportunity to design a meaningful, community-based mentorship program that bridges generational divides and addresses social isolation among seniors. It emphasizes the role of structured facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and program design in creating impactful social initiatives. Students will gain experience translating qualitative insights into scalable program models while balancing emotional, cultural, and operational considerations. The case reflects real-world work in nonprofit strategy, community development, and social impact program design. 

  •  Analyze the social, emotional, and community needs of both elderly residents and youth participants in an intergenerational setting 
  •  Evaluate best practices from existing mentorship and intergenerational programs to inform program design 
  •  Design a structured listening session framework that promotes active engagement, mutual learning, and respectful dialogue 
  •  Develop a participant matching and facilitation strategy aligned with program goals and participant needs 
  •  Assess trade-offs between program scalability, personalization, and resource constraints in a community-based initiative 
  •  Design an implementation plan for pilot sessions, including training, logistics, and feedback mechanisms 
  •  Synthesize stakeholder insights and program design elements into a sustainable, community-supported mentorship strategy
 
Key Action Items

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