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Our Program
The GrandPals Program is a unique intergenerational initiative that connects generations through the power of storytelling. It began in 2010 by Marc Mailhot, an award winning educator, alongside a small group of highly respected educators with a simple question: How might we provide our students with more applied, experiential avenues for character development? From there, the GrandPals Program was born. It continued to evolve and centred storytelling as the main focus and pedagogical approach. It took root in its hometown of Orangeville, Ontario and in 2021, Marc Mailhot partnered with the Centre for Studies in Aging and Heath (CSAH) at Providence Care to expand the program nationally.
Roles in the Program
GrandPal
A volunteer (age 55+) trained as a GrandPal to meet with students and share their story.
Host Teacher
Enrich student learning by hosting GrandPals in their Gr. 5 classroom. The Host Teacher collaborates with the Community Champion, GrandPals, Program Coordinator and their students to create space for and guide meaningful interactions.
Program Coordinator
Someone within an affiliate organization who is tasked with the coordination of the program. This role supports recruitment of GrandPals, the overall coordination and logistics of the program. The Program Coordinator is actively involved in recruitment and supporting the participants.
Community Champion
A volunteer to recruit and mobilize GrandPals. A Community Champion takes the lead on recruiting and maintaining the involvement of GrandPals.
Students
Early adolescents ages 11 – 14, typically in grade 5, in the same classroom or after school program.
GrandPals Staff
A knowledgeable staff member at the National Program’s headquarters to support and coach communities on how to implement the program. They are responsible for providing one-on-one support, training, how-to-guides, implementation resources, evaluation tools and supporting a community of practice.
Roles in GrandPals – National Team & Affiliate Organization
Click to enlarge.
Local Community Implementing Partners
Affiliate Organization
We collaborate with community-based organizations to establish and execute the Program at a local level. As the GrandPals Program is centrally managed by the Center for Studies in Aging and Health, interested organizations apply to become an Affiliate Organization. Upon acceptance, these organizations are provided with comprehensive training, coaching, and resources to successfully implement the program. In turn, they are responsible for carrying out the GrandPals Program locally by assigning someone to organize its implementation.
2023-2024 Affiliate Organizations
We are grateful to work with the following five organizations, over the next three years, to implement the GrandPals program:
MatureMinds,
Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County
Simcoe County, ON
Regina Public Library
Regina, SK
Réseau intergénérationnel WIN | WIN Intergenerational Network
Montreal, QB
Want to see a GrandPals Program in your community?
Join the Program Today
Our VisionTo create a world of deeper intergenerational learning, storytelling and friendship. We do this by working with select local organizations and their communities to implement the GrandPals Program in Canada.