A Little Help's mission is connecting neighbors to help older adults thrive.
Our mission and service model are based on a strong national body of research and on successful programs in other parts of the country.
AARP research has found that nearly 90% of older adults want to stay in their homes rather than moving to assisted living or moving in with relatives. Yet, approximately one-third of Americans will spend time in a nursing home. Ten thousand people turn 65 every day, and Denver is considered the country’s Baby-Boomer capital, with Boomers constituting over 30% of Denver Metro’s total population of 2.4 million people.
The Village Model is the nonprofit sector’s response to this reality, and A Little Help has tailored this model to operate more intergenerationally, as a community for all ages. With an aging population and shrinking resources, A Little Help bridges the gap by connecting neighbors; the more of these connections we can make, the less government service will be needed to care for seniors. A Little Help can also partner with long-term care facilities to create realistic short- and long-term care plans for our members. We’re striving for a balance of idealism and pragmatism; our model has a sound philosophical basis while saving money in practice. We’re able to increase safety and health for older adults by using resources that are already in each community - good neighbors.
Research conducted by AARP and the Blue Zones project, which studies areas of the earth where people live the longest, shows that those who live longer, healthier lives have close relationships with their neighbors and continually find new purpose as they age. These studies also indicate that interdependence across generations is crucial. In our adaptation of the Village model, we have joined organizations such as Communities for All Ages and Generations United, which help us meet our mission and grow toward our vision.
Strengthen Community: Intergenerational programs bring together diverse groups and networks and help to dispel stereotypes. Sharing talents and resources help children, youth, and older adults become strong contributing members of society.
Maximize Human Resources:Intergenerational community service programs multiply human resources by engaging older adults and youth as volunteers.
Maximize Financial Resources: Funding sources are more likely to respond positively when approached by groups representing both young and old because they can see the broad-based community support. Intergenerational programs can save money and stretch scarce resources.
Expand Services: Intergenerational community service programs can expand service levels to meet more needs and address more issues.
Encourage Cultural Exchange: Intergenerational programs help transmit cultural traditions and values from older to younger generations, helping to build a sense of personal and societal identity, while encouraging tolerance.
Inspire Collaboration: Intergenerational programs can unite community members and inspire them to take action on public policy issues.
A Little Help's mission is connecting neighbors to help older adults thrive.
Our mission and service model are based on a strong national body of research and on successful programs in other parts of the country.
AARP research has found that nearly 90% of older adults want to stay in their homes rather than moving to assisted living or moving in with relatives. Yet, approximately one-third of Americans will spend time in a nursing home. Ten thousand people turn 65 every day, and Denver is considered the country’s Baby-Boomer capital, with Boomers constituting over 30% of Denver Metro’s total population of 2.4 million people.
The Village Model is the nonprofit sector’s response to this reality, and A Little Help has tailored this model to operate more intergenerationally, as a community for all ages. With an aging population and shrinking resources, A Little Help bridges the gap by connecting neighbors; the more of these connections we can make, the less government service will be needed to care for seniors. A Little Help can also partner with long-term care facilities to create realistic short- and long-term care plans for our members. We’re striving for a balance of idealism and pragmatism; our model has a sound philosophical basis while saving money in practice. We’re able to increase safety and health for older adults by using resources that are already in each community - good neighbors.
Research conducted by AARP and the Blue Zones project, which studies areas of the earth where people live the longest, shows that those who live longer, healthier lives have close relationships with their neighbors and continually find new purpose as they age. These studies also indicate that interdependence across generations is crucial. In our adaptation of the Village model, we have joined organizations such as Communities for All Ages and Generations United, which help us meet our mission and grow toward our vision.
Strengthen Community: Intergenerational programs bring together diverse groups and networks and help to dispel stereotypes. Sharing talents and resources help children, youth, and older adults become strong contributing members of society.
Maximize Human Resources: Intergenerational community service programs multiply human resources by engaging older adults and youth as volunteers.
Maximize Financial Resources: Funding sources are more likely to respond positively when approached by groups representing both young and old because they can see the broad-based community support. Intergenerational programs can save money and stretch scarce resources.
Expand Services: Intergenerational community service programs can expand service levels to meet more needs and address more issues.
Encourage Cultural Exchange: Intergenerational programs help transmit cultural traditions and values from older to younger generations, helping to build a sense of personal and societal identity, while encouraging tolerance.
Inspire Collaboration: Intergenerational programs can unite community members and inspire them to take action on public policy issues.