ODL 368: Intergenerational Strategies for Building Stronger Communities

Please make sure to check with your own state board to ensure the transferability of CE credit for an asynchronous course. Some state boards may place restrictions regarding the modality of training required for ethics credits to be awarded. If this training indicates ethics credits are available, please verify that your state allows them to be earned through an on-demand course format.

1 CREDIT HOUR APPROVED FOR:

Social Workers
ASWB ACE – 1 General CE Credit
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work – 1 Contact Hour
Psychologists
APA – 1 CE Credit
Counselors
NBCC ACEP – 1 Contact Hour
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 1 Contact Hour
Addiction Professionals
NAADAC – This course is not approved for NAADAC Contact hours.
Nurses
California Board of Registered Nursing – 1 Contact Hour
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 1 Contact Hour
Case Managers
CCMC – 1 Contact Hour

Created On:  11/19/2025                  

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, counselors, nurses and case managers.

Overview:

In a time of increasing social fragmentation and age-based silos, fostering genuine connections across generations has become both a strategic and ethical imperative for vibrant, inclusive communities. This training explores how community programming can be designed and implemented through an intergenerational lens, intentionally bringing together youth, older adults, and everyone in between to share skills, stories, and leadership.

Participants will gain insight into how cross-generational approaches can enhance community resilience, reduce isolation, and build collective capacity for social change. From neighborhood-based initiatives like co-housing and community gardens to structured partnerships in schools, libraries, and faith communities, the training highlights real-world models where youth and elders collaborate meaningfully.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:

• Define “intergenerational approaches” and describe their benefits in community settings.
• Identify key models and examples of intergenerational programming in neighborhoods and partnerships.
• Analyze how leadership can be fostered across age groups to enhance community cohesion.
• Explore strategies for creating inclusive spaces where both youth and older adults collaborate.

Presenter:

Nancy Z. Henkin, PhD

Dr. Henkin, the founder and former executive director of the Intergenerational Center at Temple University, is currently serving as a senior fellow at Generations United. Over the past 45 years, she has developed a wide range of cross-age programs, provided consultation to local, national, and international organizations, and published numerous articles and program materials. Dr. Henkin is a leading authority in intergenerational practice, community building, and lifelong civic engagement/learning. She serves on the International Journal of Intergenerational Relations editorial board and is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Maggie Kuhn Award (Gray Panthers), the Jack Ossofsky Award (National Council on the Aging), the Eisner Prize for Intergenerational Excellence (on behalf of the Intergenerational Center), the Cantor Leadership Award (Elders Share the Arts), and the Intergenerational Champion Award (Generations United).  In 2006, she was elected into the Ashoka Fellowship, a global community of social entrepreneurs.