Harlem Hospital Pediatric Resource Project

Categories: Education

Many children in the Harlem community are at risk. They live with chronic illnesses and lack extended family support. The purpose of Family Friends, an intergenerational volunteer project, is to serve and benefit children and their families with an emphasis on health sustaining behaviors, while at the same time enriching the lives of senior citizens. Seniors are matched with children, who engage in educational, recreational and cultural activities. Another important component of the program is the collaboration with the School Health Program in which volunteers help increase annual school physicals and health coverage for each child. Family Friends also hosts special projects that link children and families to the arts and physical fitness activities. To strengthen intergenerational ties we draw from the community’s strength, its seniors, who bring vast life experiences to help resolve difficulties. 

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