Communities For All Ages

Phoenix Revitalization recived funding several years back to develop and pilot the Communities for All Ages initiative. This iniative focuses on creating communities that are inclusive of all ages by using an intergenerational apporach in all aspects of community development. Communities of all Ages is really just about changing the way we think about how we provide services and interact with our community. The basic idea is provide all ages the opportunity build social capital by engaging with other generations.

The social implicationd of this program are simple. An intergenerational apporach encourages people to interact across generations in a way that they may not otherwise. Majority of our interaction with those outside of our generation is with family members such as grandparents; however, developing intergenerational programs allows generations to interact outside of the family unit creating a more unified community. Grassroots communitity movements that involve all ages will likley be more successfull because all steakholders are given a voice and and are more invested in their community.

There is also a budgeting implication for communities that implement this initiative. In example, creating walkable comunities that accomodate bikes, scooters and wheelchairs will create a more active and vibrant community. In our society it is common for elderly adults to move in with their children, so why don't we build houses with ramps and handrails initially rather than having to remodel when eldlery are moving in. In addition, Communties for All Ages communities ensure that all age ranges from childern to elderly are involved in town hall meetings, sit on advisory boards or are a members of the city council. In the long run this may save money because decsions about youth and eldelrly services are not simply made for these age groups, but with these age groups.

If you would like more information on the Communities for All Ages initiative their webiste has a ton of fantastic information! (www.communitiesforallages.org). It also provides pictures and information on Communities For All Ages sites ten of which are right here in the state of Arizona. Although the initial idea for the iniative came out of Temple Universities Center for Intergenerational Learning, thanks to funding from the Arizona Community Foundation this initiative was truly brought to life right here in our state and has now spread nationally. Suppooring this initiative is simple, thik about how your orginizations can increase sustainability by taking an intergenerational approach to their programs and services.

Phoenix Revitalization Corporation "The Mission is Simple"

The mission is simple "Revitalizing Neighborhoods, Connecting Generations."

As I arrived at Phoenix Revitalization Corporation for the first time I found my self in front of a quaint little building surrounded by the Matthew Henson Village and the Valley Christian Center near Buckeye and 7th ave. I felt right at home as soon as I began my internship. This very small organization operates with only four full time employees and a handful of part time and contract staff.

I am lucky enough to sit at a desk in the center of the office, where I can be sort of a fly on the wall. All day I see people working on several projects, supporting community members that drop in for assistance or simply to talk, and rush off to meetings across the city. This organizations simple mission allows them to wear many hats. They run the Affordable Housing Program for the state, employees sit on several boards across the valley, and they have created a community action team to create and implement a revitalization plan. They also produce and distribute a community newsletter to more that 11,000 community members to highlight events, services the successes of community members in Central City South. The goal is simply to empower citizens of Central City South to improve their community. PRC simply sets them up with the support and resources to do just that. I have enjoyed getting to know this organization and this community, I am looking forward to learning even more!