Pfeiffer University

MISENHEIMER — Pfeiffer University was recently selected to receive a renewal grant in the amount of $13,000 from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) to continue work with the organization’s “Intergenerational connections: Students serving older adults” program. Pfeiffer was one of only 21 institutions across the nation chosen to receive this grant last year. This renewal grant will further the University’s work to enhance connections between undergraduate students and older adults in the community.

CIC launched this intergenerational initiative with support from the AARP Foundation to encourage colleges to create or extend programs for which students help low-income older adults tackle key life challenges. These typically include hunger, safe and affordable housing, income-generation and social isolation. Pfeiffer is one of several colleges to be a part of the network of colleges that the AARP Foundation hopes will help establish best practices for engaging students in meeting the challenges of older adults in the communities surrounding their campuses.

Pfeiffer’s project is titled “Growing a legacy: Students and seniors serving together to combat hunger among elders.” The grant funds have helped to make the University’s Hunger Relief Garden accessible for older participants.

“The first year with our project has been very successful in bringing together seniors in our community with our university students,” said Kelly Misiak, director of service scholars for the Francis Center for Servant Leadership, which is managing the project. “We have been able to begin a meaningful connection between Pfeiffer students and older adults in our community, and to expand the work that we do in our Hunger Relief Garden.”

Last year, the garden produced more than 1,000 pounds of produce that was donated to local nonprofit organizations that serve impoverished populations and communities.

For more information about the Council for Independent Colleges Intergenerational Connections program, visit https://www.cic.edu/programs/intergenerational-connections. For further information about Pfeiffer University, log onto the university website at www.pfeiffer.edu.