Intergenerational Programs

Intergenerational Programs

At Diana Gregory Outreach Services, we offer more than carrots and kale and bananas and broccoli. We offer intergenerational programs where youth serve seniors.  During the holidays, in collaboration with the Archer Ragsdale Arizona Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. area youth engaged in packing bags of fruits and vegetables for seniors, serving a holiday lunch, and singing Christmas carols.  (Thanks to our presenting sponsor, Wellcare, for contributing the bags of fresh produce and to our volunteers for participating at Maryvale Parkway Terrace.)

And did you know that children who are involved in intergenerational mentoring programs benefit as well?

  • 46 percent are less likely to begin using illegal drugs
  • 27 percent are less likely to begin using alcohol
  • 52 percent are less likely to skip school

They develop “skills, values, and a sense of empowerment, leadership, and citizenship … social networks, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, positive attitudes towards aging, a sense of purpose and community service . . . [and] good self-esteem.”

Indeed, that’s a lot more than carrots and kale!

Over 2,500 seniors throughout Maricopa county received bags of fresh fruits and vegetables during the Gift of Nutrition program in November and December.  We thank Platinum sponsors – Southwest Airlines, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, AARP, APS and Carstens Family Funds.
Launch of New Program to Improve Grandparent’s Health

Launch of New Program to Improve Grandparent’s Health

Gregory’s Fresh Market is excited to be selected along with Future Stars and Life Paradigms to receive a grant from the African American Women’s Giving and Empowerment Circle, a fund of the Arizona Community Foundation. The grant will enable Gregory’s Fresh Market to launch a new program called Grandparents Healthy Champions (GHC). The program empowers African American women by increasing their knowledge of chronic disease self-management and resources available to make healthy lifestyle choices. 

Many grandparents are susceptible to becoming ill because they are so focused on caring for their grandchildren 24/7 that they neglect their own health. This  can have a devastating effect on the children and the family.  In grandparent-led households, 38% report that their health declined since taking care of their grandchildren. Gregory’s Fresh Market, a division of Diana Gregory Outreach Services has created an interactive 12-week program facilitated by a mobile farmers market, mobile health screening and preventative health education workshops for the grandparents at Grandfamilies Place of Phoenix. Each participant receives a weekly bag of produce and easy to prepare recipes.

The center for Disease and Control has issued several epidemics regarding health issues. The health consequences of obesity and lack of access to healthy choices include coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cancers, high cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides, liver and gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, and respiratory problems. Through the mobile health program, information will be provided to address health issues.