WHO WE ARE
Gens Connect is a nonprofit, volunteer program that pairs high school and college students with seniors to promote intergenerational bonding. Especially during this period of social isolation due to COVID-19, finding ways to help others and build up our community is extremely important. We partner with senior homes and centers around the country and work together to form mutually beneficial relationships between our volunteers and seniors.
WHAT WE DO
Over phone call or video call, the buddies meet at least once a week for a check-in that ranges from 10 minutes to over an hour! Because some seniors at the centers we work with speak little to no English, volunteers also get a chance to brush up on their conversational skills in a foreign language. Through our partnership with NYFSC and TDF, we have taught seniors how to use Zoom so they can watch movies & performances over Zoom with their friends.
Quotes from our volunteers and seniors
Swipe to see more!
Find a Branch of Gens Connect Near You!
New York
Where it all started! The New York City branch has been up and running since March 2020. Our branch works with the New York Foundation for Senior Citizens, Wagner Senior Center at Union Settlement, and Theatre Development Fund to bring joy to seniors through weekly calls, art classes, and monthly musicals, concerts, and dance performances over Zoom.
Washington
The Washington branch officially opened up in January 2021! Head to our Get Involved page to apply for volunteer and/or team positions!
California
The California branch, specifically the Fremont branch, officially opened up in July 2020! Run by two of our dedicated branch managers, we're looking forward to seeing this branch of Gens Connect thrive. Stay tuned for volunteer opportunities and potential team positions!
We are seeking new branch managers! As of right now, we will be closing most of our current branches because there is no current branch leadership. Head to the Get Involved tab if you would like to start a new branch!
OUR MISSION
Established in March of 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gens Connect strives to bring together the community during these difficult times by connecting high school and college students with seniors through phone calls and video calls. Our mission is to bridge the gap between generations, reduce feelings of loneliness, boredom, and depression in seniors, and form mutually beneficial and rewarding relationships between our volunteers and the seniors at the centers we partner with.
We are constantly working on expanding our services beyond phone calls to provide additional sources of support and entertainment for our seniors. Post-pandemic, Gens Connect has continued to form and maintain meaningful relationships between our volunteers and seniors. We hope you join us in our mission to make a positive impact on the community and foster valuable connections between generations!
Christine Xu
Founder of Gens Connect