LINKages Society of Alberta

The LINKages Society of Alberta is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering meaningful and mutually beneficial intergenerational relationships between youth and seniors. Established over 26 years ago, the organization operates primarily in Calgary and rural Alberta, focusing on building bridges across generations to enhance community wellness and social connectedness.

Mission and Vision

LINKages envisions a strong and vibrant community where youth and seniors thrive together. It promotes cooperation, friendship, and respect between generations by connecting them through innovative programs that encourage sharing of experiences, skills, and knowledge.

Programs and Activities

LINKages offers a variety of programs designed to engage youth and seniors in collaborative and creative activities. These programs include:

• Care Centre/School Programs: Weekly and bi-weekly visits by junior and senior high school students to care centers to interact with seniors.
• Music 2LINK: Music and art programs tailored for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
• Project Inspire: An eight-week art-based intergenerational program.
• Intergenerational (IG) Outreach: Includes Phone Pals and Pen Pal programs, fostering communication between youth and seniors.
• IG After School: Social and emotional skill-building sessions held at seniors’ community centers.
• Story/Performance of Your Life: Projects where youth honor seniors’ life journeys through storytelling, art, music, or theatre.
• University of Calgary LINKages Chapter: University students organize activities with independently living seniors in the community.
• Rural LINK: Four LINKages chapters located in rural Alberta.

The organization also participates as a collaborative partner in the Alberta Intergenerational Linkages Community of Practice on the CORE Alberta platform.

Response to COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, LINKages adapted its programs to ensure continued connection between youth and seniors through virtual visits, two-way intergenerational activity buddies, and by delivering student-created inspirational cards to care centers to combat loneliness among seniors.

Impact

The LINKages Society of Alberta effectively connects over 500 youth and seniors annually through its long-term programming, fostering enduring friendships and enhancing the health, wellness, and social inclusion of participants. Its intergenerational approach contributes positively to community cohesion and the quality of life for both younger and older generations.

Business Registration Number: 890910623RR0001
Location: Alberta, Canada