A GenSpan Story

Two pairs of hands are working together. One pair looks rather fragile, a little wrinkled, but so elegant. These hands work slowly, but deliberately. The other pair of hands is smooth and tender. The hands of a child, they work quickly, but not too gracefully. Nearby, little hands are writing out math problems, while a big hand gives a supportive pat on the back. Together, these hands are planting seeds of care, inspiration, knowledge, and love.
These hands belong to seniors and children who are participating in the GenSpan Foundation programs.

Who We Are

"Bringing different generations together in work, play and lifelong learning" - that's the GenSpan vision. People in every country are beginning to realize how critical it is for different generations to be together in an intentional way. Sharing, playing and learning between generations provides rich and meaningful experiences for all, be they young, old, or in between. A child's energy and curiosity can stimulate an older person, adding to their experience and understanding of younger generations. In turn, the experience and patience of a wise elder can temper and direct that young energy into productive channels.
As the world becomes an increasingly complex and confusing place in which to live, connections with people of different generations can help provide perspective and stability. GenSpan recognizes that the talents, strengths, and values of a multicultural, multigenerational community can provide unlimited resources to collaborate on programs which will create a society that develops relationships based on the interdependence of generations.

What We Do

As a non-profit, community-based organization that creates and supports intergenerational programs, GenSpan provides a variety of opportunities to develop relationships uniting generations in work, play and lifelong learning. Through our APPLE (Adults Providing Positive Learning Experiences) Program, we place adult volunteer mentors in elementary classrooms and Head Start programs throughout the Santa Maria Valley and Lompoc. With Story Catchers, a special extension of the APPLE Program, we give children the opportunity to actively learn about the lives of other generations. Through our Senior Program, our volunteers work with residents of retirement communities in arts and crafts and other activities that promote health and well being. We also work in collaboration with the Santa Maria Homeless Shelter, the People's Self Help Housing Project Los Adobes de Maria and others to provide after-school homework assistance and pre-school education to children in need. These programs enrich and improve the quality of the lives of all community members by providing opportunities for all ages to participate in activities that promote lifelong learning and social enrichment.

We invite you to learn more about GenSpan and hope that you will join us as we work together sharing talents and perspectives to make a stronger community.