As a part of the Treehouse Intergenerational Community, I share my experience and talents in a many ways. I live in a multigenerational, planned neighborhood in Easthampton, Massachusetts where families who have adopted children, or families caring for foster children, live along with elders and support one another’s lives.
The impact of what I do is so powerful and yet it is hard to put into words because it is so deep. Letting children know that you love and trust them makes a miraculous difference in their attitudes and well-being. Their confidence grows when they trust you. When you see them becoming more trusting, you know you are having a big impact.
Treehouse in Massachusetts is a village where children find not just parents and a home, but also grandparents, playmates and an entire neighborhood designed to help them grow up in a secure and nurturing environment.
My volunteer work with children and youth has been a lifetime vocation, both professionally and simply as a volunteer. As a grandparent, I also raised my granddaughter, which heightened my awareness to the needs of kids and families. When I heard about the Treehouse Community, I knew it was a chance to continue what was important to me. I find it so rewarding. I created a Peace Team in the community that brings senior community members together to create a culture of peace. We planted a Peace Pole in the community to maintain our commitment to a culture of peace that is rededicated each year.
When we adults share our wisdom, which is developed through years of experience, I believe we can make a positive impact on future generations.
(Watch this video about the founder of Treehouse, Judy Cockerton, a 2012 Encore.org Purpose Prize winner.)