Annual Report 07-08
This is a link to LINKages' annual report - an account of our successes, values, future projects and other important information. LINKages' Annual Report 0708 - in PDF format
Program Introductions
LINKages is involved in many different facets of connecting generations, including:
Junior and Senior High Programs
Post-secondary Program: YACS (Young Adults Connecting with Seniors)
Intergenerational Program Training, Community & Rural Workshops
Community LINK: Linking Intergenerational Needs & Knowledge
LINKages Logic Model
The Logic Model gives a brief outline of LINKages' goals and desired outcomes. Program Logic Model
Major Concepts of Logic Model
Program Evaluations
LINKages Logic Model PDF
Program Introductions
Junior and Senior High Programs LINKages invests in partnerships between schools and care centres by providing support to develop intergenerational relationships. These relationships are important and beneficial for any age group, which is one of the reasons why Linkages takes on the specific challenges that are presented with this diverse spread of students. For more information about the Junior and Senior High Programs
Post-secondary Program: YACS (Young Adults Connecting with Seniors) The YACS Program was created to match post-secondary students (aged 18 to 25) with isolated or lonely seniors living independently or semi-independently. After a two-year trial, the results were tremendous and now, YACS has become one of LINKages’ core programs. For more information about the YACS Program
Intergenerational Program Training, Community & Rural Workshops LINKages has acquired the skills and knowledge to provide training programs, resource manuals and the ongoing support of other IGP (Intergenerational Program) practitioners. Over the past several years we have also offered rural training sessions to assist Alberta rural communities to successfully develop and implement their own IGPs. For more information about Training and Workshops Community LINK: Linking Intergenerational Needs & Knowledge Since 2005, LINKages has taken a leadership role with community partners to reveal the tremendous value of IGPs and showcase emerging trends. The LINK Project will identify IGP best practices and encourage a network that will stimulate learning, dialogue and interaction with community groups and practitioners. For more information about the LINK Program
Logic Model Program Logic Model LINKages’ structured intergenerational programs build bridges between the generations. By connecting generations, we aim to strengthen communities by inspiring young people – and seniors - to contribute to the community as “life-long volunteers”. In 2007, we developed a Program Logic Model to depict the planned work and the intended outcomes of LINKages – the following is an overview of our outcomes and our logic model: - Short-term Outcomes: relationships formed, decreased isolation/loneliness of seniors, transfer of wisdom and knowledge
- Medium-term Outcomes: reduced stereotypes, increased confidence, self-esteem/confidence, improved social and mental health
- Long-term Outcomes: reduced segregation between generations, increased interest in volunteerism/community service
Major Concepts of the LINKages Logic Model - Creating Mutually-Beneficial Relationships: Every person who has witnessed one of our programs can see that the students, and the seniors, benefit from the experience. Students enhance their leadership, communications and personal skills; while also gaining understanding, sensitivity and compassion for seniors in Calgary. The seniors enjoy new roles (e.g. as friends, mentors); this interaction can renew their sense of purpose.
- Reducing Isolation & Loneliness of Seniors: One indicator of our success is found through one of our year-end evaluations with the care centre staff: “It is nice to have young people in the building taking a sincere interest in our residents! Thanks for taking the time to spend with our ‘fellas’ – they enjoy having someone else to talk to!”
- Transferring Wisdom & Knowledge: Sharing life experience is a key to our programs - one of our student volunteers wrote: “The very best part of my experience would most definitely be the stories and lessons I’ve learned from each visit!”
Program Evaluations Through the support of United Way of Calgary and Area, we have received expertise and guidance from Canadian Outcomes Research Institute (CORI) to develop LINKages' Program Logic Model. This logic model incorporates inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, indicators and data collection. This model is intended to provide a simple visual representation of our program outcomes and we use a number of instruments to measure our performance. The data collection instruments used to determine our outcomes as outlined in LINKages' current Logic Model are as follows: - Student Evaluations: Twice each year, all student volunteers provided written and verbal feedback on the problems they face, the learning they are internalizing, and suggestions for support. These feedback sessions are conducted at the school during the lunch hour.
- School Teacher Evaluations: LINKages maintains ongoing contact with the designated teacher liaison from each school - throughout the program year, we ask for their feedback and in June, we ask them to complete an evaluation on the student participation and impact.
- Care Centre Evaluations: Throughout the year, we work closely with the care centre liaisons to ensure the senior residents are enjoying the program; in June, we ask them to complete an evaluation form to provide insight on the seniors' impact and the student impact.
- Seniors' Evaluations: In 2007-08, two practicum students from the Faculty of Social Work conducted personal interviews with a number of senior participants - this is the first time LINKages has collected feedback from the seniors and we will continue to do this in the future.
LINKages Logic Model PDF
A PDF displaying the LINKages logic model. LINKages Logic Model - in PDF format
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