Intergenerational Model

From Matthew Kelly’s book, Life is Messy, “There are some moments in our lives that are so pivotal that we never stop drawing on them for wisdom, courage, and direction.”

When I was a young mother and balancing working at Harbor House with finishing my business degree, I was very blessed to witness my grandmother interacting with my son. I saw the joy that just being with my son brought to my grandmother’s life, and the sheer delight in my son’s eyes. It was one of those pivotal moments that occurred I drew on for direction in my life.

When creating a business plan for my degree, the song “Forever Young” began playing on the radio. The lyrics brought images of my grandmother and son playing together to my mind and I knew – this is something we need more of in the world! I was inspired to create a business plan for a facility that would bring together seniors and children – an intergenerational facility.

Harbor House’s Board of Directors decided Harbor House needed to grow. I knew I was living a moment that would change so much for so many. This was a pivotal moment, a God moment, where time, need, and a call to action came together. The intergenerational facility would serve as a community in and of itself, bringing people from all ages and backgrounds together to work towards the common goal of independence and fulfillment in their lives. This facility would be the first of its kind in Kentucky, an innovative solution to bring the community together to receive quality services and care.

Seven years ago, I was fortunate to be able to visit St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I returned full of hope and new ideas for Harbor House’s own Intergenerational Life Center. I had seen a model center where the intergenerational model of care was successfully implemented to the benefit of both seniors and children including all regardless of differing abilities.

Our community has a growing population of two generations that demand attention for their social, physical, emotional, and medical needs. The experience of the staff, the call to action, and the determination of the board have brought us to this moment to reach out and serve the community in a more inclusive way through an Intergenerational Model, empowering all ages, abilities, and aspirations. We are ready to bring Harbor House into the future!!