CATCH Healthy Habits named a Program of Distinction
Designation serves as the U.S. benchmark for intergenerational programs
St. Louis, MO – Generations United has proudly announced that the OASIS
Institute’s CATCH Healthy Habits program has been designated a Program of
Distinction within the intergenerational community.
“We congratulate CATCH Healthy Habits for earning this distinction and their
dedication to intergenerational practices.” notes Donna Butts, executive
director of Generations United. “The Program of Distinction designation is the
U.S. intergenerational community’s ‘seal of approval.’ The application and
review process are rigorous. Achieving this recognition is a major
accomplishment and says a program employs best practices and effectively
serves the surrounding community.”
“CATCH Healthy Habits serves two generations in addressing a national
public health issue – obesity,” says Marcia Kerz, president of The OASIS
Institute. “By volunteering to help children learn healthier eating habits and
increase the amount of physical activity they are engaged in each day, our older adults are benefitting. Research
shows us that adults 50+ who volunteer in their community are healthier than those who do not volunteer,” Kerz said.
Generations United launched the Program of Distinction designation in 2010, with support from New York Life
Foundation to recognize excellence while celebrating the rich diversity among intergenerational programs. This year,
six programs from across the nation earned the distinction. In addition to CATCH Healthy Habits five other communities
include:
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DOROT’s Youth Volunteer Program, DOROT (www.dorotusa.org), New York, NY—mobilizes volunteers of all
ages to improve the lives of the elderly. The program engages youth in volunteer activities within an educational
framework, increases their sensitivity to the needs of the elderly, and furthers their commitment to service.
The JCA Heyman Interages Center, Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington (JCA®)
(www.interagesmd.org) Rockville, MD—engages active older adult volunteers to deliver tutoring and mentoring
services to at-risk youth, provides interactive programs for youth and frail elders in senior facilities, and connects
youth and older adults in various programs that enrich the lives of both generations.
Together Transforming the Experience of Aging, Kendal at Oberlin (www.kao.kendal.org or
www.kendalearlylearning.org), Oberlin, OH—is a commitment by Kendal at Oberlin, retirement community to
reach out to multiple generations. Kendal residents provide mentoring to those in need, participate in lifelong
passions for teaching, serve as surrogate grandparents, participate in an onsite Early Learning Center, and
positively affect the lives of students from nine educational institutions.
AGE to age: bringing generations together, Northland Foundation (www.northlandfdn.org), Duluth, MN—is
an intergenerational grassroots initiative of the Northland Foundation. AGE to age connects youth with older
adults to build relationships and enhance their communities. It provides an avenue for different generations to
overcome age stereotypes, establish friendships, and pool their strengths for civic good.
CATCH Healthy Habits, OASIS Institute (www.oasisnet.org), Saint Louis, MO—overcomes
barriers contributing to obesity by instilling lifelong healthy eating and active living habits among children and
adults, targeting those from under-resourced communities. Trained adult volunteers, age 50-plus, teach children
in grades K-5 ways to adopt a healthy diet and become physically active through a series of hourly sessions
facilitated in after-school and summer camp settings.
The Great Friendship Link, Sunshine Care Assisted Living Homes (www.sunshinecare.com), San Diego,
CA—is an assisted living and memory care facility that partners with private and public schools, 4-H, Scout
Troops, home school networks and various non-profits to create a community for all ages and abilities. Each
activity complements student curriculum and promotes intergenerational teamwork.
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About Generations United: Formed in 1986, Generations United is the national membership organization focused solely
on improving the lives of children, youth, and older people through intergenerational strategies, programs, and public
policies. Generations United serves as a resource for educating policymakers and the public about the economic, social,
and personal imperatives of intergenerational cooperation. For more information, visit gu.org.
About OASIS: OASIS is a national non-profit organization that promotes successful aging through lifelong learning, health
programs and volunteer engagement. The OASIS vision is to see that adults age 50-plus across the country have
opportunities to pursue vibrant, healthy, productive and meaningful lives. Founded in 1982, OASIS serves more than
370,000 adults through partnerships in 40 cities. The OASIS Institute in St. Louis is the national headquarters.