Introduction
Mission/Vision
Goals
Belief
Achievements
Our Programs and Services
Strategic Direction
Human Resources

Introduction

LINKages Society of Alberta is a Calgary-based nonprofit organization that provides programs and services to encourage young people to reach out to seniors in thoughtful and meaningful ways.

We work closely with teachers in the public and separate schools, as well as our community partners, to create a positive introductory volunteer experience for our youth participants. We also work with care facility staff to ensure our programs meet the seniors’ needs by encouraging seniors to share their experiences with young people.

Mission

To foster friendships between youth and seniors to enhance their personal strengths and quality of life by providing intergenerational programs and services.

Vision

To be a leader in the development, operation, promotion and expansion of Intergenerational Programs (IGPs).

• LINKages aims to connect young people and seniors in ways that are mutually beneficial – these generations learn from each other.
• Our programs are structured to overcome stereotypes and encourage personal development – we provide ongoing support to participants.
• Connecting generations enhances self-worth and creates interest in community involvement – we encourage the merits of volunteering.

Belief

Our belief is that Albertans – of all ages need to be valued, respected and appreciated for their experiences and potential; and we invite citizen engagement and positive contributions that enhance our communities.

Achievements

Since 1994, LINKages has successfully fostered intergenerational relationships between youth and seniors in care centers, Alzheimer facilities and dementia units. Our programs are unique as they partner youth volunteers with seniors in care, based on full-year commitments to regularly scheduled weekly/bi-monthly visits within a structured, mentored and supervised setting. Youth volunteers are trained, given opportunities for feedback, problem solving and evaluation, and provided with activities and outings suitable to building intergenerational bridges.

Our Programs and Services

A total of eight staff and approximately 40 adult volunteers currently support LINKages’ school-based programs, the YACS program, new rural and community development sessions, as well as new community initiatives. In addition to programming, LINKages supports research studies on the impact of intergenerational programming and we are currently working to develop an Intergenerational Programs/Practices Network to share IGP knowledge.

LINKages Society of Alberta is on the leading edge in the creation, implementation and evaluation of Intergenerational Programming and we are dedicated to providing meaningful, outcomes-oriented programs.

Strategic Direction

To advance LINKages’ vision, the Strategic Plan 205-09 was developed by the Board of Directors with the intent of expanding LINKages’ presence in Alberta.To achieve our potential and capitalize on our expertise, four strategic pillars were established to support LINKages role as an IGP leader.

1. Develop new community based opportunities that recruit youth and seniors beyond schools and senior’s facilities.
2. Enhance operations by maximizing human resources and capitalize on the strength of volunteers and ongoing citizen engagement
3. Promote the value of intergenerational practice through community education, support and the development of an IGP Network Group.
4. Expand the number of schools and care centres that are currently operating.

LINKages’ Strategic Plan is regularly reviewed by the Board and staff - as this plan is used to guide decision-making and evaluate our progress.Tthe Strategic Plan also guides the development of the Business Plan, Technology Infrastructure Plan, Communications Plan, Human Resources Plan and Fund Development Plan.In May 2008, the staff and Board participated in discussions regarding the development of LINKages’ Business Plan and a new Strategic Plan for the next three years.

Human Resources (including volunteers)