Generations United - Program of Distinction 

In January 2024, we were thrilled to receive the Program of Distinction designation by Generations United. 

Program of Distinction

A Program of Distinction designation from Generations United is a designation awarded to intergenerational programs that meet the highest standards of effectiveness, signifying excellence and best practices in connecting older and younger generations. We do this through various initiatives, highlighting the diversity of programs while promoting quality and sustainability across different intergenerational models; essentially, it's a seal of approval for outstanding intergenerational programs recognized by the organization. To learn more about this program or other intergenerational programs in your area, please check out the Generations United website.

pillars intergenerational community 

This recognition is a testament to our unique position as the only intergenerational community in Minnesota that seamlessly integrates senior living, student housing, and an on-site child care all within one cohesive environment. Furthermore, we are proud to be among the very few such communities across the entire country.

Our one-of-a-kind community is perfectly aligned with the mission of Generations United, as we actively engage with the broader community and wholeheartedly embrace the belief that generational diversity is an invaluable asset that enriches the fabric of our society.

This accolade serves to celebrate the Pillars' exceptional dedication to fostering intergenerational collaboration, thereby establishing us as a standout model in the realm of senior living. Generations United has long championed its mission to enhance the lives of children, youth, and older adults through meaningful intergenerational collaboration, forward-thinking policy advocacy and transformative programs. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for being such an integral part of our community!

Intergenerational Programs at the pillars 

We collaborate with many to deliver the following, high-quality intergenerational programming at the Pillars of Prospect Park. 

• • Pillars Child Care Center - Residents can participate in intergenerational programing with children ages 6 weeks to 6 years old. We collaborate with community partners to deliver high quality programming throughout our community. Our child care is open to the greater community.
    
  
  
  
  • Pillars Student Residency Program - We have up to 15 students living at the Pillars as part of our student residency program. Students lead 10 hours of programming each month ranging from 1:1 visits, Spanish conversations, PoPP talks, orchestra trips, tech support, knitting for a cause and much more. The students have diverse backgrounds and are in programs ranging from early childhood education, medical school, PhD and law degree programs.
  • College of Continuing & Professional Studies - Minnesota English Language Program (MELP) / ESL - Student groups of non-native English speakers in the program come throughout the year to practice their conversational English with our residents in the senior living and Dimensions (memory care) community.
  • Medical School Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Physical Therapy Division - Physical therapy students (level 1) work with residents in the Dimensions community focusing on walks and visits. Students work with senior living resident volunteers for 6 weeks starting with an assessment and focus individual goals. These sessions are offered throughout the academic year.
  • Center for Allied Health Programs, Occupational Therapy Program - Occupational therapy students (level 1) work with child care, Dimensions and senior living residents in the fall and spring. Students (level 2) work full-time in the community for 12 weeks throughout the year. They work on special projects and with resident volunteers throughout the community.
  • UMN Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences - Graduate students host quarterly speech language and hearing screenings. Students also lead small group sessions focused on cognitive engagement.
  • Minneapolis College of Art & Design - Pillars works with art students with pursing minors in teaching. Students lead art courses and creative process classes at The Pillars of Prospect Park during their spring term.
  • Gopher Athletics - We enjoy four complementary tickets to all Women’s & Men’s Basketball home games. Goldy makes an appearance at The Pillars during the year and we join the Cheer Squad at two home basketball games.
    
    
  • School of Public Health - Masters of Healthcare Administration (MHA) - Students from this program interview residents about their experience at The Pillars. Students design an enhanced experience for older adults while gaining insights on opportunities to create value.
  • School of Public Health - Aging Studies Interdisciplinary Group (ASIG) & Intergenerational Community Health Collaborative (ICHC) - Student leaders from ASIG host monthly meetings at Pillars - Intergenerational Community Health Collaborative (ICHC). This group of students and residents explore community health and social issues together.
  • School of Dentistry - Dental hygiene students present a mini-educational workshop series on dental hygiene for residents and child care.
  • School of Nursing - Integrative health and healing doctorate of nursing student(s) spend time with residents and team members researching and providing solutions to enhance well being of residents.