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Impact in Action: How our Program Make a Difference
At the heart of the GrandPals Program is our theory of change, which provides a visual representation of the causal relationship between the program’s interventions and its intended impact.
A theory of change is like a map that helps a program show how they will reach their goals. The map shows how the program’s activities and resources will lead to specific results, and how those results will help people in a positive way. It helps the program understand what they need to do, and how they can make sure they’re doing it well. For the GrandPals Program, our theory of change helps explain how the program’s activities and interventions can ultimately improve the lives of older adults and students alike.
Supporting evaluations of the program are also based on this theory of change, enabling us to measure progress towards our intended outcomes and make adjustments as needed to ensure that the program is as effective as possible.
IF
youth and adults (+55) are provided with meaningful opportunities to connect, learn and share stories
&
are accompanied by responsive and effective training, resources and caring human support
THEN
confidence to connect with a different generation, mutual respect, perception towards ageing and sense of belonging are more likely to improve well-being
RESULTING IN
a more vibrant community and the reduction of ageism experienced by older adults and early adolescents
We’re in the process of implementing the GrandPals Program and evaluating its impact. The results of our assessment will be available in Fall 2023. In the meantime, you can read a study from 2019 if you’re interested in learning more about the program impact.
Understanding the Impact of GrandPals on Older Adult Participants
In collaboration with the Community Engaged Scholarship Institute (CESI) at the University of Guelph, Master’s student Nicole Libowitz conducted a study to examine the impact of the GrandPals Project on older adults who participated in the program. Her thesis, titled “Understanding the Impact of GrandPals on Older Adult Participants,” provides an in-depth analysis of the study’s key findings. If you’re interested, you can read her thesis and learn more about the project’s impact on older adults. Additionally, an infographic has been created to summarize the key findings of her thesis.
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.