The S.G.B. Generation Bridge
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The S.G.B. Generation Bridge is a 5-7 week program where seniors (60+) and teens (13-18) come together twice a week for two hours. The program's outcome is shaped by material that develops through improv games, discussions, and group activities. The program is lead and taught by a theatre professional and guest artists. At the end of the workshop, the material is performed as a celebration of what we have discovered. The invited audience includes friends, family, and community members. Donations collected from the event are divided between a charity the group has voted on, as well as the participating senior center and school.
The SGB name is inspired by Shirley G. Bannister, a senior with a youthful vision.
The Brooklyn School
Clara and Teen
Participant Statements
Poetry Class
1-day Workshop at Bowdoin College
1-day Workshop at Bowdoin College
3-day intensive workshop with students from
Bowdoin College in Maine and local seniors.
3-day intensive workshop with students from
Bowdoin College in Maine and local seniors.
3-day intensive workshop with students from
Bowdoin College in Maine and local seniors.
3-day intensive workshop with students from
Bowdoin College in Maine and local seniors. (Full story)
Six Week Workshop Group 2
Six Week Workshop Group 1
Benefits
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- Shared and better understanding between populations that are drifting apart
- Regain the gift of oral history for younger participants and provides joy and companionship for seniors
- Teach and share new themes to diverse population
- Promote the idea of giving back through charitable donations
- Introduce awareness of the healing power of performance
Creative Writing Class
Chen and Nelly
Testimonials
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Listen to an AUDIO TESTIMONIAL
We had an amazing time! It was so wonderful for me to see the residents participating and truly enjoying the class. A number of residents approached me after the gathering to tell me that they hope we do this again sometime and they were surprised how much fun they had. One lady commented that just being around so many younger people made her feel like she was back in college for that hour. Thank you for a great experience!
— Heather Thomas
Social Events Coordinator
Thornton Hall and Bodwell (MCSHC)
During the course of the internship, I began to notice positive changes in my students. They would be more willing to speak up in the classroom, and those that tended to be confrontational at times, softened up and began to take things more seriously. It was evident that they now felt a part of an amazing experience, and it was encouraging them to be positive in every possible way. (Click to read entire letter)
— Jane Valit
English Teacher
Community Service Coordinator
It was really fun. At first I was kind of nervous about being around the older generation. I kept feeling that if I did something wrong that I would be scolded. As the program continued I had eventually started to warm up to them. My favorite part of the program was the games. My family is vey competitive so if someone makes a mistake they are kicked out of the game. But when I made a misteake I didn't get laughed at, I got laughed with. This program was just a really great experiece and I hope that I could do it again.
— Trevor, 16
Student
Participant
The program for me was a big high. For seniors to work so closely with teens was most enjoyable. We were lucky we had a great group of teens. We all learn from others and hopefully the teens might have learned a bit from the seniors. Mondays and Thursdays wil lnot be the same since our group has ceased meeting. I hope that either this program or a similar one will begin again.
— Fred
Senior
Participant
Sharing an improv exercise
Charities
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The S.G.B. Generation Bridge has donated to the following charities:
- Loving Touch, Inc. Community Animal Service
- American Cancer Society
