Forever Friends is an intergenerational program linking a second grade class from Hillside School in Brookfield, Wisconsin with a group of elders living at St. John’s on the Lake, an independent living facility in Milwaukee. Founded by Sherry Power M.Ed., an educator and nationally recognized leader in intergenerational topics, Forever Friends is an ideal model for use in elementary schools.

The program, begun in 1986, gives children and elders a variety of opportunities to form friendships and learn from one another. These activities are woven into the academic curriculum and continue throughout the school year. The elders accompany the youngsters on field trips, participate in classroom activities, and perform with them in two musical programs each year.

Since Forever Friends began, the lives of approximately five hundred enthusiastic and energetic children, in whom we place our trust for the Future, have been enriched by the warmth and wisdom of over two hundred elders who hold in their hearts the memories of our Past.

“What is as important as knowledge?” asked the Mind.
“Caring and seeing with the heart,” answered the Soul.

Flavia Weeden