Generations of Hope

Generations of Hope Development Corporation

In 2006 the Generations of Hope Development Corporation (GHDC) was formed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, with support from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. Our mission is to find new solutions to social problems by tapping the transformative power of intergenerational community living.

Our Vision

To significantly enhance the way social services are provided by harnessing the caring power of ordinary people through intergenerational community living.

Our Work

GHDC does not fund or build new communities. Instead, it encourages the widespread adoption of innovative models of intergenerational living through an open exchange of ideas, and the adaptation and replication of the GHC Core Model.

GHDC is a broker of knowledge and resources. As a national center of learning, we engage in evaluation and assessment, research and analysis, documentation and publication. GHDC provides three main services:

  • GHC Collaborative: GHDC has formed a GHC Collaborative to foster an open exchange of ideas and information about site development, program development, core community outcomes, and the community as intervention strategy. The Collaborative is grounded by a knowledge center which creates and disseminates information on Generations of Hope Communities and intergenerational community living.
  • Programming for Three Generations: Our intergenerational programs are designed to address the critical issues affecting each generation: GHC Senior, Family and Child Programs. Each new program is implemented in a Generations of Hope Community and customized per locale and vulnerable population group.
  • Public Policy & Advocacy: GHDC advocates for policy change at the federal, state and local level. We work with government officials and institutions to facilitate broad-based systems change.

Authentication

GHDC authenticates GHC Initiatives as either GHC-Inspired or GHC-Certified. This official designation verifies that the GHC Initiative meets recognized GHDC principles.

  • GHC-Inspired: A community is designated GHC-Inspired if the organization forms a 501(c)(3) and its Board of Directors elects to implement four fundamental GHC principles:
    1) Three generations live in the community
    2) Housing is geographically contiguous
    3) Older adults are involved as volunteers
    4) The intergenerational community is formed to address a social challenge.
  • GHC-Certified:A community is designated GHC-Certified if it is executing The GHC Core Model (see the GHC Core Model document.) GHC-Certified communities are partners with GHDC in the mutual exchange of ideas and knowledge to effect broad-based systems change.

Upon signing the GHC Initiative Agreement, each community receives a GHC-Inspired mark, and those who become authenticated as GHC-Certified receive an additional mark to use on marketing and outreach materials. A community must be designated Inspired before becoming Certified.